Chelsea's Enzo Maresca Critiques 16-Hour Trip For Conference League Match Against Astana

Add as a preferred source on Google

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca expressed concerns about the demanding schedule facing his team. The Blues are set to travel to Kazakhstan for a Europa Conference League match against Astana. This involves a 16-hour round trip, followed by a Premier League game against Brentford on Sunday night. Maresca highlighted the unusual nature of such a schedule, stating, "Eight hours is not a normal time for a game, but we have to go there, we have to play, and we want to try to do our best, thinking also about the next game."

Currently leading the Conference League standings after four matches, Chelsea shares this unbeaten status with Legia Warszawa from Poland. The match against Astana will take place at Almaty Central Stadium due to renovations at Astana's home ground. This venue is located 600 miles from Kazakhstan's capital. Chelsea aims to maintain their top position in the league while managing the challenges of their tight schedule.

Maresca plans to rest several first-team players for the Kazakhstan trip. Noni Madueke will be among those rested, while Pedro Neto is suspended for Sunday's match against Brentford. Defender Josh Acheampong is set for his first senior start following successful contract negotiations. Youth players Ato Ampah, Shumaira Mheuka, Harrison McMahon, Kaiden Wilson, Richard Olise, and Harrison Murray-Campbell will join the travelling squad.

The manager emphasised that those not playing in Kazakhstan will continue training diligently. "The ones that are not involved tomorrow, first of all, they're going to be training, and they have to train well," Maresca stated. He acknowledged the possibility of needing some players who feature on Thursday again on Sunday but hopes it won't be necessary.

Chelsea's journey back from Kazakhstan is scheduled for Friday morning at 6 am. Maresca noted that it's unusual for players landing at such an early hour to play again on Sunday but assured that if required, they would make the effort. The team faces additional challenges with expected temperatures around minus 11 degrees Celsius in Almaty.

Defender Axel Disasi remains unfazed by the cold weather conditions. He remarked on their preparedness: "We just have to put on two pairs of gloves and be ready to compete in these conditions." Disasi also mentioned downloading movies for the long flight as part of their preparation strategy.

Chelsea's focus remains on maintaining their lead in both competitions despite these logistical hurdles. Balancing player fitness with competitive performance is crucial as they navigate this challenging period in their schedule.