Chelsea coach Enzo Maresca expressed his happiness with his players’ performance under harsh conditions in their latest victory in the Europa League.
It was a routine win for the Blues in Kazakhstan, beating FC Astana 3-1.
The west London side took control early, scoring twice in five minutes.
Marc Guyot scored both goals, the first from a brilliant individual run and the second from a scrappy tussle over the goal line.
Renato Vega scored Chelsea's third goal to impose complete control.
Astana managed to reduce the deficit thanks to a wonderful effort that hit the post and scored before the end of the first half.
Enzo Maresca sings the praises of Terek George, Sam Rak Saki and Josh Acheampong in the role @ChelseaOur youth shine in the freezing temperatures 🌟
HaytersTV is the only UK media outlet based on the ground in Almaty 🇰🇿@arthur ferridge
Watch Enzo in full here 👇https://t.co/mznqjjiHcy pic.twitter.com/4fm72uZZ6h
– Hayters TV (@HaytersTV) December 12, 2024
But that was about their only good chance of the half and the game.
The visitors took complete control of the game and Maresca was only too happy to praise his young side.
Speaking to HaytersTV after the match, he said: “We knew it was very cold; We tried to adapt, and the players gave a great performance.
“The conditions, the long drive, the journey, and the pitch were not ideal, but overall, I'm very happy for the players.”
Chelsea fielded a young squad featuring many unfamiliar names.
The former Leicester boss was only too happy to name them and praise them for getting the job done.
He added: “All of them, all of them, who started, Tyreek, Sam and Josh, they all did a very good job!
“Happy for them. Also those who came in the second half! Satisfied with them.”
This victory keeps Chelsea at the top of the Conference League standings after five matches.
