Chelsea's head coach Enzo Maresca has pledged more playing time for his reserve players as the fixture list becomes increasingly congested. This follows a hard-fought 2-0 victory over Heidenheim in the Conference League.
The Italian tactician made 10 changes to his squad from their Premier League triumph over Leicester, a trend that has become commonplace in Europe this season. Despite facing a team ranked 15th in the Bundesliga, Chelsea had to fight hard to maintain their perfect record in the competition.
Christopher Nkunku netted his 11th goal of the season, solidifying his position as the team's leading scorer, before Mykhaylo Mudryk sealed the win with a superb late strike into the top corner.
Jadon Sancho, who assisted both goals, and substitute goalkeeper Filip Jorgensen, who possibly delivered his best performance since joining in the summer, also put on impressive displays.
"It was a very good challenge for all the aspects," Maresca commented. "(Heidenheim) were high pressing, intense, but no matter what they do, it’s important we are ready. It’s important to continue with that mentality.
"They (the players) are ready and it’s important. Filip did a very good game, Christo (Nkunku) the same. We have nine or ten games in December so they are going to get more chances. They need to be ready."
Manchester United loanee Sancho started for the first time since October 20 after a period out due to illness and injury, and he seized his opportunity, providing nearly identical crosses for his team’s two goals in Germany.
Maresca declared: "I said since we start, Jadon is very important for us. He has to be fit, mentally and physically and he is going to help us a lot.
"Unfortunately we did not use him in the last few games but he is showing tonight how important he is. We need that quality in the last third against a low block. He is going to help us a lot."
The match also saw Mudryk netting his third goal of the season with a spectacular strike, while Cesare Casadei's late dismissal will see him sidelined for Chelsea’s next fixture.
Maresca said: "It’s difficult to find players tonight that didn’t play well. We need all of them taking the chances when they get the chances.
"They all want to play more; they all deserve to play and are working fantastic. We are going to share minutes in the next games because we have so many games and it’s the normal thing to do."