ENZO MARESCA wants all of his troops in Chelsea’s cheerleading squad — whether they are playing or not.
It follows a conspicuous display of unity on Tuesday night, when a group of players not involved against minnows Barrow in the Carabao Cup turned up in support of their team-mates and sat behind the home dugout.
Captain Reece James, Cole Palmer, Jadon Sancho, Noni Madueke, keeper Robert Sanchez, Nicolas Jackson and Moises Caicedo were among those who later went on the pitch to celebrate a 5-0 victory.
Boss Maresca insists it is a key part of the team effort for everyone to turn up, whether it be in boots or not.
The Italian believes attention to small details plays a big part in performances.
He said: “The ones in the squad have to be there and the ones not in the squad have to be there too.
“In a normal team you have to behave like a team and if there is a game they have to be there.
“For sure, it will happen tomorrow. If there is a problem and some of them cannot come, then that is not a problem.
“I don’t know whether we say that it is a rule but when there is a game the players have to be there.
“In terms of culture, it is quite normal that if my team-mate is playing a game, I am there before the game to support him and I am there after the game to support him in case he wins, loses, does well or does badly.
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“It is normal for them to be there whether it is Premier League or Carabao Cup, whatever competition.
“If we want to create something then these small things are important. I just said that I want all of them there.”
Chelsea’s dressed-down players turned up in snazzy hoodies and trendy street clothing to back their pals.
One cheeky member of the non-playing squad even dashed into the press room at half-time to nab a sausage roll earmarked for journalists.
Maresca joked: “Some of them were in bad clothes? OK, I can manage inside the pitch but the way they dress is not my job.”
Players not in the squad have turned up to games before but team-minded Maresca is making a bigger deal of it to breed unity in a dressing room which has undergone huge changes in recent months.
It may play a part in the upturn in form with Chelsea seeking a fourth straight victory against Brighton and sitting three points from the top of the Premier League in fifth place.
There is recent history between the two clubs which could make things a little trickier for the Blues at Stamford Bridge — but with only skipper James on the injured list, the Italian at least has a virtually full strength squad to choose from.
Among them are rejuvenated defender Marc Cucurella and midfielder Caicedo. Both acquired from Brighton for a combined fee of £177m.
The pressure that goes with that means it has taken time for the pair to settle in fully – but Maresca believes we are starting to see the best from the former Seagulls.
He said: “Marc is a very intelligent player. He is very clever.
“Against Bournemouth he played like an attacking midfielder, against West Ham he played like a holding midfielder.
“From day one, I have said I don’t want them doing things without understanding why they are doing it.
“I am not asking just to run or do this. It is nice to help the players understand why they do things.
“Marc is one of those guys that when we ask him to do something, we explain why. You can see in some players that even when you explain why they struggle a little bit to understand.
“Marc is one of those guys who immediately understands. He is a versatile player and gives us different options.
“I don’t think the price should be a problem. Sometimes it can put them under pressure.
“I know Moises from Brighton. I watched a lot of games from Moises in that season.
“At the moment for us, he’s a very important player. He’s doing well, especially off the ball.
“But he can do much, much, much better on the ball and be more brave, breaking lines. He is doing very well but he can be even better on the ball.”
Chelsea also nabbed Sanchez as part of a major raid on their South Coast opponents, who are still unbeaten in the Premier League so far this campaign.
Maresca said: “The Brighton fans may not be happy but the Brighton owner would be very happy.
“It is a matter of balance. They are former players but the reason they are at Chelsea — and the reason why Chelsea paid money for them — was because, when they were at Brighton, their fans were happy at that moment.
“This is because Moises, Cucurella, Robert and Levi Colwill, who was there on loan, are fantastic players. I am very happy to have them.”
Chelsea player ratings vs Barrow
JOAO FELIX and Christopher Nkunku stole the show as Chelsea thrashed Barrow in the Carabao Cup.
A hat-trick from Nkunku along with goals from Felix and Pedro Neto secured a 5-0 third round win at Stamford Bridge.
Here’s how the starting XI rated…
Filip Jorgensen – 6
Looked shaky as Barrow launched a string of early throw-ins into the box. Forced into a smart stop down to his right at the start of the second half but otherwise untroubled.
Malo Gusto – 7
Lack of threat from visitors allowed him freedom of the right flank and the full-back regularly posed a threat as he linked up with Neto.
Axel Disasi – 6
Unconvincing in possession despite little pressure but performed defensive duties throughout in solid partnership with Benoit Badiashile.
Benoit Badiashile – 6
Barely troubled by Barrow forward Emile Acquah. Assured in possession and showed his passing range by switching play to his wingers when available.
Renato Veiga – 6
Looked a class above when stepping into midfield when Chelsea were in possession but far from convincing in defence. Gave away several needless free-kicks in dangerous areas.
Cesare Casadei – 7
Shaky at first on his maiden Chelsea touch before growing into the game in the centre of the park.
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall – 7
Afforded plenty of time and space on the ball for much of the game and even came close to a goal of his own.
Pedro Neto – 7
Link-up play with Malo Gusto was a constant threat down the right. Finished off a flowing team move for his first Chelsea goal.
Joao Felix – 8
Unlocked the Barrow defence with a beautiful scooped pass to set up Nkunku’s opener. Followed it up with a perfectly placed free-kick off the post to put his side 3-0 up before half-time.
Mykhailo Mudryk – 7
Gave Chelsea an outlet with his pace down the left, showed to perfection as he raced away before squaring for Neto to score moments into the second half.
Christopher Nkunku – 9
Showed his clinical edge in front of goal by grabbing a hat-trick with three well-taken strikes inside the penalty area, including an exquisite back-heeled flick into the corner.
Subs
Ben Chilwell (45’ for Gusto) – 6
Given a rapturous reception on his return from the Chelsea ‘bomb squad’. Tightened up the left-hand side for the Blues, with Veiga moving to central defence.
Tyrique George (63’ for Neto) – 6
Dragged a brilliant chance to score his first Chelsea goal wide of the post. Later denied by Farman as he showed promise down the right.
Josh Acheampong (63’ for Disasi) – 6
Slotted into the back four with ease and executed his defensive duties on his second senior appearance.
Marc Guiu (76′ for Nkunku) – 6
Continued to provide a threat to the tiring Barrow defence late on.
Carney Chukwuemeka (76′ for Felix) – 6
Quickly imposed himself on the action with several powerful runs through midfield to drive the hosts forward.
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