This morning, in the third round of the Champions League, Chelsea beat Ajax 5-1 at home. Maresca was interviewed after the game. About Chelsea becoming the first team in the Champions League to have three young players under the age of 20 score goals...
About Chelsea becoming the first team in the Champions League to have three young players under the age of 20 score goals in a game
I am very proud. This is a special night for the club and these young players. I remember Giovanni already scored five or six goals for Chelsea in the UEFA Europa League last season, George has already scored in the Premier League, and so has Esteban. Overall it was a great night, especially for these young players and the club.
About Chelsea’s continued use of young players and giving them opportunities to play in important Champions League matches
This is the club’s strategy. We have a lot of young players, in fact our squad last season was the youngest squad in the history of the Premier League, so we will continue with that approach this season. Tonight's game compared to the Premier League game against Nottingham Forest, we changed 10 players. Switching from the Premier League to the Champions League, it is not easy to replace so many players at once, but we have to do it - otherwise, the players will face huge physical pressure due to the intensive schedule. We need to protect some players. This arrangement tonight is actually not bad, especially after the opponent received a red card, we have the opportunity to rotate the lineup.
About Chelsea's prospects in the Champions League this season
We keep saying the same thing, but ultimately it comes down to what is true: we take it game by game. I think it's good to get a win tonight and continue the momentum, but we have a high-intensity game ahead of us in the next 48 hours - the Premier League game against Sunderland. This victory is certainly positive for everyone and the club, but in terms of the entire season, this victory itself does not have much special significance. What we have to do is continue to play every game well, strive for victory, and help the players continue to improve. This is the most important thing.
What impact does today's victory have on Chelsea's momentum and confidence?
We need to keep this momentum going but at the same time know that the game against Sunderland will be difficult. Sunderland are in good form at the moment, but we will prepare as hard as we have for every game since the start of the season. The goal is to win the game and we will see what happens next.
What is the most impressive thing about Esteban?
For young players, many times you will be a little worried - they may have played one or two good games and scored goals, and then they feel that they are already top players. But the great thing about Estevan is that we don’t have to worry about that at all. He is very humble, polite and trains very hard. He has a great family who is always there for him. For me personally, he's really outstanding: not only a very talented player, but also someone who never worries. Now even if he plays in the game and scores goals, he still knows his strength and positioning. But the most rare thing is that he always maintains a simple character, just like an ordinary big boy.
When Esteban tried an overhead shot, you showed a surprised expression. How do you feel when you see one of your young players try something like this?
Without a doubt, I feel very lucky to be his coach. Because this scene is so exciting, you will really enjoy this moment. We have said many times before that fans buy tickets to watch the game just to see the wonderful performances of players like Palmer and Esteban. So, it’s really great to have players like Esteban and Palmer.
Would you be surprised by the desire to win and the daring attitude shown by these young Chelsea players?
I train with them every day and know their abilities very well. Of course, I also know that we are going to have some tougher times. But the great thing about these young players is that they are eager to learn and want to improve, which I think is great.
Mini-game recommendations:Spiderman Slide
