Maresca Challenges Acheampong and George on Maintaining First Team Status

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has welcomed young players Josh Acheampong and Tyrique George into the senior squad, cautioning them that they must “everyday work in the right way”. Acheampong, a defender, and George, a winger, both aged 18, began their careers at the Blues’ academy as Under-8 players and have participated in the Uefa Conference League during the current season. A video shared on the club’s external social media channels showed Maresca addressing the team, followed by Acheampong and George being presented with their designated spots in the first team changing rooms. The Italian manager stated, “I think personally when we graduate a player from the academy it’s important first of all to give them a warm welcome.” He further added, “Also, it’s important to let them understand they are not to take this for granted. “When you join the first team changing room, first of all you need to defend that.”” Acheampong’s future was clarified with the signing of a new external contract on Wednesday. Both he and George are anticipated to participate in Thursday’s concluding UCL League Phase fixture against Shamrock Rovers at Stamford Bridge. Speaking to his squad, Maresca stated: “The most important thing is that you convince them that they have to defend that. Defend that means everyday to work in the right way. “If they don’t work in the right way it’s up to the senior players and the ones who graduated from the academy to convince them that is not the right thing to do. They have to work better.”” He concluded by saying, “”These kind of things I think help create the right culture.””