Enzo Maresca sang the praises of his younger gamers after Chelsea comfortably noticed off Astana 3-1 within the Convention League in brutally chilly circumstances.
There was a reported temperature of -10 levels Celsius in Almaty, Kazakhstan, on Thursday, however that didn’t cease Maresca’s facet working out winners and confirming their spot within the final 16.
Marc Guiu opened the scoring on 14 minutes earlier than an Aleksandr Marochkin personal objective and Renato Veiga header had the Blues 3-0 up inside 39 minutes.
Marin Tomasov pulled one again for Astana earlier than half-time however there was by no means any hazard of a comeback.
Josh Acheampong, Samuel Rak-Sakyi, Tyrique George and Guiu all began the sport, the primary time 4 youngsters have performed so in European competitors for Chelsea, whereas a number of different children appeared within the second half.
Maresca was delighted with the way in which they tailored to the tough climate.
He stated: “It was fairly chilly. The gamers did fantastically within the circumstances after a protracted journey.
“The entire younger gamers have performed very nicely. I’m very blissful for them – and likewise those that got here on within the second half.
“For positive sooner or later they’ll play extra within the Premier League. They should work laborious to deserve the prospect however they’re doing very nicely.”
To these of you who’ve made the journey from London to Almaty, your help is unbelievable. Thanks. #CFC | #UECL pic.twitter.com/kz8Gbk97Yb
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) December 12, 2024
Pedro Neto assisted Chelsea’s second objective of the sport and felt his facet had been worthy winners.
He informed TNT Sports activities: “It was actually chilly, I feel the coldest I’ve ever performed in.
“As soon as we had been warmed up it was slightly bit higher. On the taking pictures it was slightly bit heavy, it’s not straightforward to play on this climate.
“We had the precise perspective, performed the sport that we ready and we’re actually blissful to take the three factors.”
Chelsea are subsequent in motion towards Brentford within the Premier League on Sunday.