Enzo Maresca responds to cancelling Chelsea day off after first team thrashed by under-21s

Chelsea have a huge game against Tottenham coming up on Thursday but there has been some concern over three defeats in their last five league games – before the senior side lost 3-0 to the Under-21s

Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca has dismissed the significance of cancelling the squad’s day off ahead of their clash with Tottenham – after the first team were beaten 3-0 by the Under-21s. The Blues still have hopes of securing Champions League football next season as they sit fourth in the Premier League table.

But there have been some concerning results of late after a 1-0 loss to Arsenal before the international break capped off a run of three defeats in their last five league games.

English clubs are likely to be granted five Champions League spots this season to Chelsea have a margin for error in the league, but Manchester City and Newcastle are breathing down their necks – and even teams like Brighton, Fulham and Aston Villa are only a few points behind.

There was further cause for alarm this week after their first team players – who were not involved with their national teams – played an Under-21 side at their Cobham training ground that featured some Under-16s.

Teenager Donnell McNeilly grabbed a brace in a 3-0 win but the game was described as a training exercise and Maresca insisted it was a non-issue.

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The Italian said cancelling days off was nothing out of the ordinary and said he requested an extra training day because he wanted to maintain “high standards” at Stamford Bridge.

“It’s nothing,” he said. “Since I joined the club, I always decide high standards. Not many players here and a day off after, sometimes it’s normal. I didn’t allow this so we decided to train.”

Maresca has been boosted by players returning from injury ahead of the home clash against Spurs on Thursday night, with Cole Palmer, Noni Madueke and Nicolas Jackson.

Their returns come at the perfect time after Chelsea were left without a recognised forward after an injury crisis that ruled out a number of key forwards.

Maresca said of the improved injury situation: “Very good. We’ve said many times, it is a game for players and when they are not there, you struggle. This has happened with us this season. Now it is good to finish with all of them.”

When asked about the importance of finishing the season strongly, he said: “Since day one, they are giving everything. The attitude has always been top, every day, and even in the last week because they know how important it is from now on. Every game becomes important. We have nine games to go and hopefully we can finish well.”

In addition to Spurs, Chelsea have tough games against Liverpool, Manchester United and Nottingham Forest to play this season, while also aiming to finish the campaign by winning the UEFA Conference League.

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