Enzo Maresca has discussed the challenge of managing his squad through a long and gruelling campaign, and underlined how the players’ growing experience will pay off in consistency.
The Chelsea head coach was speaking in the build-up to our next match, when we host Everton at Stamford Bridge in the Premier League this afternoon.
Having made several changes to his team between games in different competitions during a busy period – which shows no signs of slowing down in the weeks to come – Maresca explained why it can be difficult to find the balance between fielding the strongest team possible to win the game and managing each individual player’s workload.
‘If you look at our first XI in games like Arsenal, Barcelona, Atalanta, Tottenham, Wolves at home, we have on the pitch the same eight or nine players,’ said the Italian.
‘Cucu [Marc Cucurella], Enzo [Fernandez], Wes [Fofana], Trev [Chalobah], Pedro [Neto], Joao [Pedro], Malo [Gusto], Reece [James], they are always the same eight or nine players that they play. From Bournemouth to Atalanta I made five changes, but in the end the eight or nine players are always there.
‘I see this season, and I see football in this moment, like a marathon, not like a sprint. The season is long, we have so many games.
‘If you use always the same players I think you are going to struggle a little bit in terms of the physical condition and keeping the players healthy.’
After a strong run of form, which resulted in Maresca being voted as the Premier League Manager of the Month for November, a tricky spell has seen the Blues follow up an impressive draw with Arsenal when down to ten men with three games without a victory since the start of December.
In the league, that includes a 0-0 draw with Bournemouth and a 3-1 defeat at Leeds United, prompting Maresca to dismiss any suggestion this Chelsea team needs to adjust its mentality or approach when going into games as the favourites.
‘The team is doing well, it is just now one week where we drop something, hopefully we can start again against Everton. Overall I think the team is doing quite good.
‘I don’t think that our players don’t have the mentality to win these kind of games. I think that with more games and with experience we’re going to be more ready in the future. I don’t have any doubt.
‘I think it’s just a matter of living that moment and you are going to be better. When you drop points you understand what you have to do better, and in the next one you are going to be better.’
Chelsea Foundation will be hosting a 'Magic of Blue' collection point at Britannia Gate ahead of Chelsea vs Everton for supporters to donate gifts. All gifts need to be in their original packaging and we are not able to accept food or drink items. Items welcome for donation include:
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- Unisex warm socks/Slipper socks (with grip bottoms)
- Gloves/Mittens/Hats/Scarves
- Craft kits/Puzzles/Crossword books
- Photo albums/Notebooks/2026 diaries and calendars
- Christmas decorations
Supporters are also able to donate money to support those experiencing loneliness at ChelseaFC.com/MagicOfBlue. So help support Chelsea FC Foundation by donating or sharing with your friends.