Enzo Maresca has spoken out after confirming Chelsea suspension blow for Aston Villa clash
Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca
Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca(Image: AFP via Getty Images)
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Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca insists that not being on the touchline for his side’s Premier League clash against Aston Villa will not have a major impact on the match.
The Italian will serve a one-match touchline ban on Saturday after receiving his third booking of the season for protesting a yellow card shown to one of his players during the 2–2 draw with Newcastle.
As the Blues failed to win at St. James’ Park and Villa beat Manchester United, Unai Emery’s side moved seven points clear of their weekend opponents.
Villa have won their last 10 matches in all competitions and have also claimed victory in three of their five Premier League games against Chelsea under Emery - as many as they had managed in their previous 20 meetings before the Spaniard’s arrival.
"It will be a very tough game for us and we will have to be at our best because Aston Villa are playing very well,” Maresca said.
“They have a clear way of playing and they are very organised both on and off the ball.
"They are full of confidence in this moment, but we are at home and we will be trying to get the three points as we always do. We will work hard and continue to grow."
This will be the second time in which Maresca will watch a game from the stands, having also served a touchline ban in the 3-0 win over Nottingham Forest in October.
“Yes, in almost 100 games I've been suspended three times,” he said when asked about his ban for the weekend.
“One for celebration, and two times for yellow cards. So yeah, unfortunately I will be on the stand, but Willy [Caballero] is there, Danny [Walker] is there, the coaching staff is there.
Asked if it will impact the game, Maresca said: “No. No.”
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