Maresca likes the ‘professional’ Blues display

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca was pleased with his side’s display as a 5-1 win over Shamrock Rovers completed a perfect Conference League group stage for the favourites.

Marc Guiu scored a first-half hat-trick as Chelsea secured top spot – meaning they won’t play in the competition again until March.

Chelsea are joined by Vitoria, Fiorentina, Rapid Vienna, Djurgarden, Lugano, Legia Warsaw and Cercle Brugge in the top eight qualifiers for the round of 16.

Maresca said: “I am very satisfied with the performances and the results. In games like this, it’s easy not to do that. They showed how professional they are and this is the right way.

“Since we started we tried to share the minutes – tonight it was for the young players.

“Josh Acheampong and Tyrique George are still very young, but we are very happy with them.”

“Marc is unhappy”

Guiu capitalized on two defensive mistakes to score before a fine header earned him a hat-trick and a top scorer spot in the competition.

It’s a first-half hat-trick for 18-year-old Marco Guiu who heads home to give Chelsea a 4-1 lead 😮‍💨

📺 @tntsports and @otkrićeplusUK pic.twitter.com/qYWeqUgbIn

— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) December 19, 2024

The 18-year-old has six goals in the Conference League but has made just one substitute appearance in the Premier League so far.

Maresca said: “Marc is a bit unhappy because Nicolas (Jackson) and Christopher (Nkunku) are fine.

“When you have a nine and another nine goes well, it’s a matter of asking. It is important that they work hard day in and day out and then get a chance.

“We don’t want to sell players in January, but the players who don’t play a lot will be a bit unhappy.

“It depends on what happens in January and then we will decide.”