The Blues ran riot as they demolished their Armenian opponents in the Conference League on Thursday (07.11.24) and the coach was pleased with the way his players approached the fixture.

Maresca told TNT Sports: "Everyone expected that we win the game but you have to play, you have to be serious, professional and the most important thing is that, once again, the players show how serious and professional they are."

The manager has been rotating his squad for Chelsea's matches so far this season and he thinks it is a strategy that is working well.

Maresca said: "Very impressed. Especially because since we start, we are trying to change players every game. It works quite well and the reason why, I said many times, is because we have good players and all of them deserve to get minutes.

"Some of them are playing in the Conference, some of them in the Premier League but in the future, all of them are going to play Premier League games and all of them are going to play Conference games.

"Before the game I said to them that football is full of games where you are expected to win games and then you will drop for mentally you’re not ready. I think tonight they showed how serious they are.

"We are in the right direction. Now the most important thing is to continue."

Academy graduates Tyrique George and Sam Rak-Sakyi both featured for the Blues and Maresca adopts varying approaches to help the youngsters cope with the nerves of making their first-team bow.

He explained: "I said before the game probably with young players sometimes it’s better to tell them the day before so they can prepare, but with some it’s better to tell them at the end so they don’t get nervous.

"We knew already Tyrique was going to start, so I just told him two hours before the game. He was very good.

"Also Sam Rak-Sakyi when he was inside was good, and I’m very happy for Marc Guiu that he scored. He hasn’t got many minutes with us this season, but he’s working hard."