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ENZO MARESCA PRAISES CHELSEA’S HISTORIC NIGHT AFTER RECORD-BREAKING CHAMPIONS LEAGUE TRI

Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca hailed a "special night for the club" after his young Blues side made history, becoming the first team with three different teenagers to score in a single Champions League match.

Enzo Maresca Praises Chelsea’s Historic Night After Record-Breaking Champions League Tri
Enzo Maresca's side ran riot at Stamford Bridge to mark their 200th Champions League game in style on a night where the club's young stars impressed - Photo Credit: Getty Images

After the match, Maresca expressed his pride in his team, who made history by being the first to have three different youngsters score in a Champions League match.

Extremely proud. In his press conference following the game, Maresca stated, "It is a special night for the club, for the young players."

"I believe Marc Guiu scored five or six goals for Chelsea in the Conference last year. Ty and Estevao have already scored in the Premier League. Overall, I believe it was a fantastic evening, particularly for the club and these young youngsters.

After the interval, the 18-year-old had a chance to score again but missed an appealing George cross. Maresca commended Estevao's humility and said he was "extremely lucky" to have the Brazilian under his control.

"You are usually a little concerned about young guys because they play one or two games, have a terrific game, score, and believe they are already top players," Maresca added.

The good thing about Estevao is that we do not have to worry about that because he wants to work hard and is very modest and courteous. I think it is great that he has a great family and that they are really close to him since he is a unique player, but you do not need to worry.

He will now play one, two, and score games, and he already believes that he is good. The good news is that he is a very straightforward youngster.

Being his manager makes me feel incredibly fortunate because it is fun and thrilling. We frequently remarked, "I believe that the fans ultimately purchase tickets to witness players like Cole (Palmer), Estevao, and others of this calibre." Therefore, having players like Estevao is nice.

The wonderful thing about Estevao is that we do not have to worry about that because he wants to work hard and is very modest and courteous.

Additionally, 17-year-old academy midfielder Reggie Walsh made his Champions League debut.

Walsh and Chelsea, who last participated in Europe's top league in 2023, both see the Champions League as a significant step ahead.

Walsh, however, did not appear out of place, and Chelsea's thrilling win demonstrated their title credentials.

"The club's objective is to cultivate young players." There are a lot of young guys here. We were, I believe, the Premier League's youngest team last season, and we are continuing that trend this year.

"Tonight, we switched from Nottingham Forest's game to 10 players." Although switching so many players from the Premier League to the Champions League is difficult, we must do it; otherwise, they would struggle since we have to protect some of the players in many games. Tonight, in my opinion, was also a positive night because we were able to rotate people, particularly with the red card.

LIAM ROSENIOR’S "DETAILED TALKS" WITH CHELSEA LEADERSHIP REVEAL AGGRESSIVE SUMMER TRANSFER STRATEGY

Liam Rosenior confirms no Chelsea players want to leave, including Enzo Fernandez and Cole Palmer, despite UCL exit.

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Liam Rosenior is currently engaged in thorough discussions with Chelsea’s leadership about their plans for the summer transfer window. Interestingly, none of the players has approached him expressing a desire to leave.

After Chelsea’s exit from the Champions League last-16 against Paris Saint-Germain, speculation swirled around Enzo Fernandez’s future, while names like Cole Palmer and Moises Caicedo have also been linked with moves away since Rosenior took charge in January. Ahead of their trip to Everton, Rosenior addressed questions about possible departures if the team misses out on Europe’s top competition again. He also spoke about the ongoing efforts to bring new players in.

“We're having very detailed talks about where we need to strengthen,” he said, referring to conversations with the sporting director team, headed by Paul Winstanley and Laurence Stewart. “I’ve shared my thoughts on what’s needed, and we’re mostly aligned on the approach, which is encouraging. But the priority is also handling the present properly. It’s crucial to be in a good spot now. Planning is important, but so is winning in the moment. That’s why I’m here, and I’m having positive discussions with ownership and the sporting directors about it.”

Rosenior emphasised that key players like Enzo Fernández want to remain at Chelsea. After Fernandez’s recent interview with ESPN Argentina, where he was noncommittal about his future following the heavy loss to PSG, Rosenior reached out to him personally.

“Our plans don’t hinge solely on qualifying for the Champions League; there are many variables,” Rosenior explained. “We need to make the best of the situation we’re in and stay as strong as possible. I maintain a close relationship with the players; we talk beyond football about their families and their lives. I’m particularly close with Enzo and the others. Since I arrived, no one has told me they want to leave in the summer. The focus is really on improving together as a team and figuring out what it takes to win right now.”

When asked specifically if that applies to Fernandez, Palmer, and Caicedo, Rosenior was clear: “They love it here.”

WHY ENZO FERNANDEZ REFUSES TO COMMIT TO CHELSEA’S FUTURE PROJECT

Enzo Fernandez has sparked Chelsea exit fears after refusing to commit to his future following a 2-8 defeat to PSG.

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Chelsea fans barely had time to process a brutal 8-2 Champions League thrashing by PSG on Tuesday when vice-captain Enzo Fernandez stirred things up even more. ESPN Argentina asked him about his future, and instead of assurance, Fernandez left everyone guessing about whether he’d still be at Stamford Bridge next season.

His answer? “I don’t know. There are eight games left, and the FA Cup. There’s the World Cup, and then we’ll see.” Not exactly what supporters needed to hear after a rough night. Honestly, Enzo, now’s probably not the best time for uncertainty.

People have been gossiping about Fernandez’s next move for a while now. Real Madrid and PSG keep cropping up as possible destinations, despite Chelsea sources insisting they won’t sell him. He’s locked into a contract until 2032, but if he pushes for an exit, who knows if that changes.

Fernandez holds a hefty price tag of £107 million; when he arrived in January 2023, it was a British record at the time. He’s backed it up this season, stacking up 12 goals, 6 assists, and playing more minutes than anyone else on the squad.

Still, Chelsea has been searching for someone who can play that No. 10 role where Fernandez has spent most of the season. Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogers is on their wishlist, though nothing’s happened yet. Rogers, 23 and once a Manchester City academy kid, has been lighting it up at Villa lately. He signed a contract extension in November, but rumours about his future just won’t die.

Rogers is definitely on Chelsea’s radar. If Fernandez leaves this summer, and really, that’s still wide open; Rogers could be a target.

You can expect Chelsea to be busy in the market soon. They need a centre-back after missing out on Jeremy Jacquet in January. Douglas Luiz was briefly considered but wound up at Villa, so midfield is still in the mix. Plus, given their attacking troubles this season, they’ll be looking to upgrade up front too.

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