Enzo Maresca Addresses Decision to Cancel Chelsea Day Off After First Team's Heavy Defeat to U21s

Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca has downplayed the significance of canceling the squad’s day off ahead of their crucial clash with Tottenham—following a 3-0 defeat to the club’s Under-21s.

Despite sitting fourth in the Premier League and remaining in the hunt for Champions League football, Chelsea have endured a rough patch, with three defeats in their last five league games, including a 1-0 loss to Arsenal before the international break.

With English clubs likely to receive five Champions League spots this season, the Blues have some margin for error. However, Manchester City and Newcastle are closing in, while Brighton, Fulham, and Aston Villa remain within striking distance.

Concerns grew this week when first-team players not involved in international duty faced an Under-21 side—featuring some Under-16s—at Cobham, only to suffer a 3-0 defeat. Teenage forward Donnell McNeilly bagged a brace, but the match was described as a training exercise, with Maresca insisting it was not a major issue.

The Italian explained that calling an extra training session was a routine decision aimed at maintaining "high standards" at Stamford Bridge.

"It’s nothing," Maresca said. "Since I joined the club, I’ve always set high standards. With not many players here and a day off after, sometimes it's normal. I didn’t allow it, so we decided to train."

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Ahead of Thursday’s showdown with Spurs, Chelsea have received a boost with the return of key players, including Cole Palmer, Noni Madueke, and Nicolas Jackson.

Their returns come at a crucial moment, with Chelsea previously left without a recognized striker due to an injury crisis that sidelined several key attackers.

Maresca welcomed the improved squad depth, saying: "Very good. We've said many times, football is a game for players, and when they are missing, you struggle. That has been the case for us this season. Now, it’s good to finish the season with all of them available."

When asked about the importance of a strong finish to the campaign, he added: "Since day one, the players have given everything. Their attitude has always been top, every day, and even in the last week, because they know how crucial this final stretch is. Every game matters now. We have nine matches left, and hopefully, we can finish well."

Beyond their upcoming clash with Spurs, Chelsea still face tough tests against Liverpool, Manchester United, and Nottingham Forest, while also aiming to cap off the season by winning the UEFA Conference League.