Maresca Cancels Chelsea Day Off After U21s Defeat

Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca cancelled a scheduled day off for senior players after they were defeated 3-0 by the club’s Under-21 team during a training exercise. Maresca expressed disappointment in the first team's performance, indicating a need for higher standards as Chelsea fights for Champions League qualification and competes in other tournaments. The defeat, which involved younger players including Donnell McNeilly scoring twice, was seen as a wake-up call for the senior squad members who remained at the club during the international break. Maresca's decision underscores his commitment to maintaining rigorous training standards and motivating his players ahead of their upcoming match against Tottenham Hotspur. Following the incident, reports highlighted that several injured players, including Nicolas Jackson and Cole Palmer, returned to training, potentially boosting the team's performance moving forward. Chelsea currently stands fourth in the Premier League and is navigating a challenging end to the season.