Maresca praises João Félix and company’s seriousness at Chelsea

The Blues coach, after the 8-0 win over FC Noah, recalled that “it’s easy to fall” in these types of games; English press points to Portuguese international as a starter against Arsenal

Chelsea ‘s first half against Armenian side FC Noah on Thursday night in a Conference League match was a steamroller affair, with six goals scored before half-time, including a brace from João Félix .

The Portuguese international was the best player on the pitch for the BBC and some English press are already tipping him to start in the duel with Arsenal , this Saturday, given his performance in the Conference League and the context of Cole Palmer ‘s injury following the game with Manchester United .

Blues coach Enzo Maresca praised his team’s professional attitude after the 8-0 final.

“The players once again showed how professional and serious they are. It’s very easy to fall into this type of game,” said the 44-year-old Italian coach at the end of the match.

“I asked them to show how serious we are and they showed it. It’s an important message for all of us. It’s never easy. When a player is not ready mentally, if he’s not serious, he can fall against any team. And the most important thing is that we were serious,” he explained, revealing that he only informed 18-year-old winger Tyrique George, a product of the Blues ’ academy , that he would start… two hours before kick-off.

“It was very good,” he praised. “With young players, sometimes it’s better to tell them the day before so they can prepare, with others it’s better to do it just before the game so they don’t get nervous,” Maresca argued.