Enzo Maresca has issued a rallying cry to his wider Chelsea team as well as two new players integrated officially this week. After announcing that both Cobham academy prospects, Tyrique George and Josh Acheampong, had been elevated into the senior squad - for good - the head coach was keen to keep standards high.
Both George and Acheampong have played under Maresca so far this season but made their breakthrough under Mauricio Pochettino earlier this year, with Acheampong getting his debut in May. Against Astana last week in the Conference League, they started together for the first time.
Having been regulars and standouts for the Under-21 side and Development Squad last campaign, as well, the pair represent some of the best that Cobham has to offer. Alongside Sam Rak-Sakyi, Kiano Dyer, and Shumaira Mheuka, the duo have been granted the chance to impress in Europe.
More players have been called into training across the Cobham divide, as Maresca rests and rotates his group for the Conference League group stage, but it is George and Acheampong who have made the journey into the main squad first. The two teenagers both have a place allocated in the senior dressing room.
Maresca is keen for them both to keep improving, though, with key responsibilities being placed on the current first-team stars in the process. "I think, personally, that when we graduate a player from the academy to the first-team, okay, it's important first of all to give them a welcome," he said in a speech shared online by the club.
"Also, it's important from all of you to let them understand they are not to take this for granted and when you join the first-team changing room, first of all you have to defend that. And so it's up to you, and the rest [of the squad]."
Maresca then calls George and Acheampong up to be presented with their name plaque before it is put above their spot at the training ground. Received with a warm clap, Maresca continued: "From all of you, help them understand, as I said, it's not granted, when you graduate from academy, but the most important thing, especially the ones of you that graduate from the academy, that you convince them that they have to defend that. And to defend that means work every day, work in the right way.
"If they don't work in the right way it's up to the senior players, the ones who graduate from the academy, to convince them that it is not the right thing to do. They have to work better. So these things, personally, I think to create the right culture, it's important. So work and welcome both of you, yes."
Maresca has been willing to turn to youth, especially in Europe, as his side progress comfortably through the tournament. Four teenagers, including summer signing Marc Guiu, all started in Kazakhstan last week, while more are expected to feature on Thursday night against Shamrock Rovers.
George, Acheampong, and Rak-Sakyi were also included on the bench in Sunday's 2-1 win over Brentford. While it is George who has played the most - making seven senior appearances so far this season - Acheampong has been one to watch due to his contract stand-off with the club.
A new long-term deal for the defender was announced on Wednesday after he had been barred from playing at any level following a disagreement earlier in the season. Maresca was keen to stress his delight that Acheampong is remaining at Stamford Bridge when asked about the news.
"I'm very, very happy, very happy," he said. "With Josh it has been quite clear since pre-season, I didn't know him personally, but after two or three days that he was with us, he really impressed me.
"Since pre-season I was trying to understand a little bit with him the situation of his contract and these kinds of things. Now, finally, the club found an agreement and we're all happy with him because we are all convinced, I'm sure, that Josh can be a great player for this club."
Maresca added: "My personal opinion is that he has to stay close to us. So as much as we can keep him here, it's much better."
As for George, he said: "For sure, Tyrique is going to get minutes. We are going to try help him to improve day by day because he's working with us every day, him and Josh, to allow them to get minutes with us in the Premier League."
The Italian's willingness to turn to Chelsea's goldmine of youth quality is just one of many reasons that supporters have taken to him well. Going further will only add to the chance of more game time for George, Acheampong, and aspiring others.
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Chelsea flag prior the UEFA Champions League Quarter Final Leg One match between Chelsea FC and Real Madrid at Stamford Bridge. (Photo by Jose Breton/Pics Action/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
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