Enzo Maresca assessed the prospects of his group ahead of a few key fixtures in the calendar next month. His men have enjoyed a week of rest, but there must be full focus on Saturday afternoon. Against a “solid” and an “organised” opponent, three points are far from a guaranteed outcome.
‘It's not random that they are doing well’
Next on the schedule in their tour of the capital city will be the visit of Fulham. The Blues battered West Ham 5-1 last Friday after drawing 0-0 against Crystal Palace at Stamford Bridge. The Eagles have become one of the most stubborn opponents in the league, and **Fulham**follow in that trend.
The Cottagers claimed a late 2-1 victory on Boxing Day last season on the way to a record 54 point haul. They have not signed any outfield players this summer, but they should still be a stern challenge.
*“They are solid. They are well organized. They play nice football. They are very strong and it's not random that they are doing well. Last year was record of points in Premier League. Fulham show how Marcos is good. The players, they are good. So, it's a game that always we need to be careful.”*
The attack will be without Cole Palmer, who pulled out of the warmup before kickoff at the London Stadium with a niggle. Maresca reacted with an introduction for **Estevao**into the lineup and Joao Pedro pushing into the hole behind Liam Delap. He stayed silent about what he will do on Saturday.
“I'm not looking just for two players to play always. I'm looking for different solution. For sure they can play together. But it's the game plan that demands if it is one, two or both we see.”
‘They are both fantastic teams’
The Blues do know what is at stake in European competition. After winning the Conference League final 4-1 over **Real Betis**in May, they are in the Champions League for the first time since 2023.
The 45-year-old expressed his pride in leading the club back to where they belong with the best in Europe.
*“First of all, we are happy to be in the in the you know in the in the in the draw. We are happy very happy because I think we brought this club where this club has to be in the Champions League.”*
The Italian will travel twice to his home country. Atalanta, the winners of the Europa League in 2024, have acquired plenty of experience in Europe's top tier competition over the last five years. The man who masterminded their ascent has gone to Roma, but plenty of talent remains in their ranks.
The other opponent is Napoli. Antonio Conte will clash with his old club, while Billy Gilmour and Romelu Lukaku may also reunite with their former team. Conte guided **Chelsea**to their last league title in his first year in West London, and he repeated the feat in Italy, indicating his excellence.
“They are both fantastic teams. Napoli won the league with Antonio Conte and Atalanta in the last five six year with Gian Piero Gasperini for me has been probably the best Italian team in Europe.”