Enzo Maresca hails Chelsea youngsters after cold battle in Almaty

Marc Guiu Pedro Neto
Photo: Chris Lee – Chelsea FC/Chelsea FC via Getty Images

Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca commended his team’s resilience and performance after their 3-1 victory against Astana in the UEFA Conference League.

Despite the sub-zero temperatures in Almaty, Kazakhstan, the Blues delivered a commanding display, securing a three-goal lead within the first 40 minutes and comfortably seeing out the match.

Reflecting on the result, Maresca highlighted the challenges his players overcame to secure another European win.

“It was a solid performance,” said Maresca. “We knew it was quite cold. We tried to adapt quickly. The players did fantastically with the weather conditions, the long journey yesterday, and the pitch was not ideal for us. Overall, I’m very happy for the players.”

The head coach was particularly delighted with the contributions of the younger players, who played a pivotal role in the victory.

Tyrique George, Sam Rak-Sakyi, and Josh Acheampong, all named in the starting XI, earned praise for their mature displays, while others who came on during the second half also impressed.

“I’m also happy for the young players who helped us win the game. I was impressed by all of them. The ones who started, Tyrique [George], Sam [Rak-Sakyi] and Josh [Acheampong] all did very good. So I’m very happy for them, and also the ones that came on in the second half, I’m pleased for them.”

The win maintains Chelsea’s unbeaten record in the group stage and underscores the depth of the squad under Maresca’s management.