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Maresca was pleased to avoid an upset | Getty Images
Enzo Maresca has explained why he made an early call to replace two fringe players against Cardiff City.
Enzo Maresca has explained why he quickly gave up on two players during a Carabao Cup quarter-final win over League One leaders Cardiff City on Tuesday night. The Blues avoided a scare thanks to half-time and second half substitutions from Maresca that brought first-team strength and much-needed quality for the Blues.
Pedro Neto then put Chelsea ahead late on and Garnacho got his second with Cardiff pushing for an equaliser at the death. In the first half, Cardiff were probably the better team and had the better chances, but Chelsea were good value for their win in the second half.
Speaking after the game, Maresca spoke of his relief to have come through what he believes was a tricky test against old friend Brian Barry-Murphy and his men, and the Italian also explained why he replaced Tyrique George and Marc Guiu at half-time, with both players likely disappointed to only get a half amid few opportunities this season.
“These are the kind of games I fall in love even more with the players because you cannot imagine how easy it is to slip, to slide, because they are tricky games,” said the Chelsea boss.
“Every season there are teams who lose to League One or League Two teams. You need to pay attention. Cardiff are very well-organised. Off the ball they are very intense. We expected some difficulties in the first half knowing Ty (George) is not playing a lot, Guiu is not playing a lot, Facu (Buonanotte) is not playing a lot. They need minutes to be there.”
Semi-final spot booked
“First half we were very good off the ball. We struggled to create chances, but we expected that. Second half we changed it and we were better. We deserved to win the game.”
On reaching the semi-final, Maresca added: “I am happy we are going to play another semi-final. It’s what the fans deserve. It was a great moment at the end, I appreciate it. I am always thankful.
”I have said many times in press conferences the support has always been there, knowing that any support in the world when you don’t win, they are not happy. Now you cannot imagine how happy I am for the players, it’s another semi-final for them, and for the fans, for everyone.”
While Chelsea were very much expected to win this one, they were coming up against a Cardiff side full of belief, and it showed. The well-organised Bluebirds are currently four points clear at the top of League One, winning their last five games and scoring three more more in four of those games.
Barry-Murphy’s men play a fearless and free-scoring brand of football, and as Maresca alluded to, that was always going to test a team largely made up of fringe players who haven’t played a lot full stop, let alone together.
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