Enzo Maresca has left three players out of Chelsea’s Conference League squad (Picture: Chelsea FC)

Enzo Maresca explains decision to protect three key Chelsea players

20 Sep 2024, 14:50 by James Goldman · Metro

Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca has explained the need to ‘protect’ Cole Palmer, Romeo Lavia and Wesley Fofana influenced his decision to leave them out of his Conference League squad.

The Blues embark on their latest European campaign next week but given the number of fixtures on the horizon, the club have chosen to omit last season’s star man as well as two players who are only just returning from long-term lay-offs.

‘The reason Cole, Wes and Romeo are out of the Conference League squad is just to protect them a little bit,’ confirmed Maresca, speaking ahead of tomorrow’s London derby against West Ham.

‘For West and Romeo it’s a bit different because they came from long injuries last year. For Cole it’s a mix in terms of it being a very tough season for him in terms of an intense season and we try to protect him.’

Several high-profile players have this week spoken about the possibility of going on strike amid the increasingly hectic schedule and Maresca would support a form of industrial action.

‘For me, it’s completely wrong with the amount of games that we have,’ he said. ‘But the only ones that can do something are the players and we can help them.

‘In the last two weeks some of the players have tried to explain what they think and I think it’s a good starting point. Some of them have said that [going on strike] could be an idea for them.’

Cole Palmer won’t play in the early stages of Chelsea’s Conference League campaign (Photo by Harriet Lander – Chelsea FC/Chelsea FC via Getty Images)

Those sentiments were echoed by Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola who said the onus is on the players themselves to force change.

He said: ‘I agree with you, maybe for the first time, that many voices are talking about the players. I’m pretty sure that if something is going to change, it must come from the players. They are the only ones who can change something.

‘The business can be without managers, sporting directors, media and owners, but without players you cannot play. The only ones to have the power to do it is them.

‘And also I’m pretty busy they’ve done it to adjust the game, to make it more attractive. That’s the reason why many players around the world, not just Rodders (Rodri), are starting to talk. We’ll see.’

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