Maresca likes “professional” blues representation
Chelsea coach Enzo Maresca was pleased with his side’s performance as a 5-1 win over Shamrock Rovers rounded off a perfect Conference League group stage campaign for the favourites.
Marc Guiu scored a first-half hat-trick to secure Chelsea top spot – meaning they won’t play in the competition again until March.
In addition to Chelsea, Vitoria, Fiorentina, Rapid Vienna, Djurgarden, Lugano, Legia Warsaw and Cercle Brugge are among the eight best qualifiers for the round of 16.
Maresca said: “I am very happy with the performances and results. With games like this it’s easy not to. They have shown how professional they are and that is the right way to go.
“Since we started we have tried to share the minutes – tonight it was for young players.
“Josh Acheampong and Tyrique George are still very young, but we are very happy with them.”
“Marc is unhappy”
Guiu took advantage of two defensive errors to score before a fine header gave him a treble and a place at the top of the competition’s top scorers list.
It’s a first-half hat-trick for 18-year-old Marc Guiu as he heads home to give Chelsea a 4-1 lead 😮💨
📺 @tntsports & @discoveryplusUK pic.twitter.com/qYWeqUgbIn
– Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) December 19, 2024
The 18-year-old has scored six goals in the Conference League, but has only made one appearance as a substitute in the Premier League.
Maresca said: “Marc is a bit unhappy as Nicolas (Jackson) and Christopher (Nkunku) are doing well.
“If you’re a Nine and another Nine is doing well, it’s a question of questioning. It’s important that they work hard day in and day out and then get a chance.
“We don’t want to sell players in January, but players who don’t play much will be a bit unhappy.
“It depends on what happens in January and then we’ll decide.”
