Enzo Maresca explains why he kept Tyrique George debut a secret from youngster | OneFootball

Tonight’s game against Noah saw Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca not only pick his B team, but actually include some even lesser lights.

That included academy talent Tyrique George, who started the game and shone, as well as fellow academy graduate Sam Rak-Sakyi who came on in the second half. Maresca was full of praise for both of them, as well as striker Marc Guiu, signed in the summer from Barcelona, who scored his first goal for the Blues today.

“[George] was very good. With young players, sometimes it is better to tell them the day before so they can prepare but some players it is better to tell them closer so they don’t get nervous,” Maresca explained.

“He was very good and also Sam Rak-Sakyi was very good. I’m very happy for Marc Guiu. They are all 17, 18 or 19, so it is important for them.”

Tyrique George on his senior debut against Noah. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)

Maresca’s main message after 8-0 thumping

Maresca’s overall message was very positive too – he had insisted before the game that he didn’t want his players to relax or take it easy, and they did him proud, racking up 8 goals and not “sleeping,” as he put it:

“I think the players showed how professional and serious they are. It is very easy to sleep in these kind of games. Football is full of surprises. It was to show how serious we are, how professional. They showed that and it’s an important message for all of us.”

That’s another advantage of playing a full B team – these aren’t first teamers taking it easy, these guys are desperate to perform and play in the league. Plenty of them did a great job convincing their boss tonight.

Here’s to many more nights like this, with goals for the fans and minutes for the Cobham kids.