Enzo Maresca, Xabi Alonso, Enzo Fernandez, Chelsea
Credit: Imago / Hasan Karim - Breaking Media
Keith Hackett
Tue 15 July 2025 12:00, UK
Chelsea will need to prepare for their stars to be hit with waves of fatigue once the 2025/26 campaign kicks off, according to Keith Hackett.
The former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA official exclusively told Football Insider that there is little room for movement in terms of Premier League matches despite the Blues’ journey to the Club World Cup final.
According to The Athletic (8 July), after reaching the Club World Cup semi-finals, Real Madrid submitted a request to postpone their opening game of the La Liga season amid concerns over player welfare.
Enzo Maresca‘s side are set to face Crystal Palace at Stamford Bridge on Sunday, 17 August, two days before Madrid’s game against Osasuna, but the Blues are yet to speak with the Premier League.
Vinicius Junior left winger of Real Madrid and Brazil celebrates after scoring his sides first goal during the LaLiga EA Sports match between Real ...
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Chelsea players offered little relief after Club World Cup
The players have been given 25 days to relax before the Blues kick off once again in a friendly fixture against Bayer Leverkusen on Friday, 8 August, then again against AC Milan two days later.
Once the friendlies are completed, Maresca’s side will have just a week before welcoming the Eagles to Stamford Bridge, which could cause many issues for the highest appearance-makers.
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Marc Cucurella, who was subjected to an act of violence from Joao Neves, tops the list for 2024/25, with Enzo Fernandez, Cole Palmer, Pedro Neto, and Moises Caicedo all following suit, but the manager may have to be more tactical with his changes.
Enzo Maresca, Chelsea
Enzo Maresca may have to make more changes to his starting lineup. (Credit: Imago)
Enzo Maresca’s side unlikely to receive extra rest
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former referee said: “In the Premier League, we’ve talked about reducing the clubs to 18 to give more space and time, but we know full well, those two games will be taken overseas as friendlies.
“It’s the lifestyle of players now. The physicality of players needs to be at the forefront, which is why clubs employ psychologists and nutritionists. There’s no question that fatigue will set in.
“That needs to be measured by each individual player. Time away from a 90-minute football match could be used more wisely, I feel. Rest and recovery. Why do they need to train for so many days?
“I know there are a lot of tactics, but the welfare of players is a concern for sure. It’s also about how good your squad is. I’d have thought Real Madrid‘s squad is good enough. Over here, there’s not much slack.”
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