Enzo Maresca Addresses Mudryk Suspension, Acheampong’s New Deal, and Shamrock Rovers Match

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca addressed reporters ahead of Thursday’s Conference League fixture against Shamrock Rovers, scheduled to take place at home at 20:00 GMT. Below are the main points from his press conference. Maresca highlighted the importance of supporting winger Mykhailo Mudryk, who has received a provisional suspension following a positive test for a prohibited substance. He stated: “We all are supporting Misha. We trust Misha and, when these kind of things happen, you need to support your player in all the aspects. Misha is a Chelsea player. We are all upset and sad. At the moment he can’t train. We are waiting.” Maresca further commented: “We all believe [he is innocent]. For sure, he is going to come back. We all has the same feeling, in terms of his team-mates, of surprise. They were all surprised and at the same time sad.” Regarding the management of players facing off-field challenges within the club, Maresca remarked: “Just try to convince the players that the only side we can decide is the pitch side. The things that happen around the pitch we can’t control. If we need to solve things outside the pitch it is my job, not theirs.” Addressing Josh Acheampong’s recent contract agreement, Maresca expressed: “Very, very happy. With Josh, it has been quite clear. He was with us in pre-season. I did not know him personally but, after two or three days, he really impressed me. Finally, the club arrived at an agreement with him and we are all happy. We think Josh can be a great player for this club.” Maresca indicated a probable squad rotation for the match against Shamrock Rovers, anticipating another opportunity to provide playing time to younger talents. He stated: “We try to change players and tomorrow is probably one more option for that.” Concerning the challenge presented by Thursday’s adversaries, Maresca commented: “We try to approach always in the same way – do our best and win the game. All the teams have something good. I watched four or five games and they are a good team. They defend in a block all together, have some good players. It depends on us and how we take that game.” Maresca conveyed his reluctance to focus on winning the competition at this stage, explaining: “The main target was group stage then we will see where we arrive and look at the next game. We are ahead of my expectation in how we play and our results.”