Europa Conference League: A step down for Chelsea has a silver lining for Enzo Maresca | OneFootball

Europe’s third-tier competition could help Italian settle at Stamford Bridge

It is only three years since Chelsea conquered Europe and won the Champions League, so they might otherwise turn their noses up at the Europa Conference League.

But the competition has taken on real importance for the Blues this season as Enzo Maresca looks to make his mark at Stamford Bridge.

It represents arguably their best chance of winning a trophy and, in the short term, gives Maresca a chance to build momentum amid a difficult start to life in the Chelsea hotseat.

The Blues face Servette at Stamford Bridge on Thursday in the first leg of a play-off to reach the group stage.

After losing to Manchester City in their Premier League opener on Sunday, defeat over two legs against the Swiss side could quickly turn the heat on Maresca.

The Raheem Sterling saga and a chaotic week has dominated the build-up, but Maresca insists the club is “not the mess it looks from the outside”.

Despite Chelsea having about 40 first-team players on their books, Maresca says he is working with a squad of 20 after Sterling and Ben Chilwell joined a group of about 15 players in the ‘bomb squad’ who train separately.

It remains to be seen how strong he will go, but these extra two games are a bonus as the Italian bids to get his ideas across and build a new identity for the team.

Maresca must be tempted to play his big guns such as Cole Palmer, who will want to get his season up and running after a frustrating afternoon against City.

Thursday could also offer a chance for Romeo Lavia to build on his new relationship with Enzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo in midfield.

Pedro Neto, who looked lively off the bench on Sunday, could make his first Chelsea start following his £54million arrival two weeks ago.

Pedro Neto could make his full Chelsea debut against Servette

REUTERS

Filip Jorgensen could start in goal and get a chance to stake a claim for the No1 spot after Robert Sanchez was shaky against City.

Wesley Fofana will not feature, as he builds back to full fitness after a long spell out. Benoit Badiashile could come in at centre-back and Tosin Adarabioyo could make his debut.

Chelsea are overwhelming favourites against Servette, who finished third in the Swiss league last season.

With everything going on at Chelsea, it was not until about 15 minutes into his press conference yesterday that Maresca was asked directly about this game.

When he was, he was asked about the pressure on him to win and also the possible embarrassment if Chelsea did not make it through to the group stage.

Maresca was able to laugh it off, but he will be desperate to get a first win under his belt, especially in front of the Blues fans at Stamford Bridge.