Enzo Maresca makes demand of Chelsea players even if they're not in squad
Today at 08:16 AM
Enzo Maresca wants his Chelsea players who don’t feature in their matchday squads to still support their teammates at games.
A number of Blues stars sat behind the home dugout at Stamford Bridge for Wednesday’s 5-0 win over Barrow in the Carabao Cup.
Chelsea’s immense squad depth was clear to see as players including Cole Palmer, Nicolas Jackson and Moises Caicedo were not included in the squad for third round clash but still attended.
It’s a gesture that Maresca is keen to see from all of the players who miss out on his squad selections to build a unified environment.
Speaking ahead of Chelsea’s clash against Brighton, live on talkSPORT 2, he said: “I said that I want all of them there.
“The ones in the squad have to be there and the ones not in the squad have to be there too. You have to behave like a team and if there is a game, they have to be there.
“If there is a problem and some of them cannot come, then that is not a problem. I don't know whether we say it is a rule but when there is a game, the players have to there.
“In terms of culture, I think it is quite normal that if my team-mate is playing a game, I am there before the game to support him and I am there after the game to support him in case he wins, loses, does well or does badly.
“It is normal for them to be there, whether it is the Premier League or Carabao Cup. If we want to create something then these small things are very important.”
Squad harmony is likely to be high in the Chelsea camp following an impressive run of form in Maresca’s opening matches.
The Blues have won their last three matches in all competitions, scoring a combined nine goals and conceding zero.
Chelsea most notably swept West Ham aside in a comfortable 3-0 win away from home that saw Jackson score two first-half goals.
Loan signing Jadon Sancho has also impressed having provided two assists in as many appearances, with Palmer once again a star asset.
Maresca’s side entered the weekend fifth in the Premier League table although next face a Brighton side who remain unbeaten.
Chelsea won both fixtures against the Seagulls last season and know another victory would boost their chances in the top four race.
They will return to Stamford Bridge five days later to kick off their Conference League campaign against Gent.
Palmer, Romeo Lavia and Wesley Fofana have been omitted from their squad for the league phase, although the trio are set to still watch from behind the dugout as per Maresca’s request.
