Chelsea’s youngsters brave FREEZING temperatures to preserve 100% Conference League record

Enzo Maresca praised the attitude of Chelsea’s youngsters as they braved freezing temperatures in Kazakhstan to record a comfortable 3-1 victory over Astana in the Conference League.

Chelsea started four teenagers in a match in major European competition for the very first time as Josh Acheampong, Samuel Rak-Sakyi, Tyrique George joined Marc Guiu in a very youthful XI.

The Blues seized control early on and despite the falling temperatures and poor surface, they ran out deserved winners to preserve their 100% record in the competition – to the delight of Maresca.

“We knew it would be cold,” Maresca told HaytersTV

“We tried to adapt. The players they did fantastically with the weather conditions, long flight yesterday and also the pitch probably was not ideal. But I’m very happy for the players.

“I was impressed by all of them [the youngsters]. The ones who started Tyrique [George], Sam [Rak-Sakyi] and Josh [Acheampong] they all did very, very good so very happy for them.

“And also the ones who were inside in the second half. Pleased for them also.”

Chelsea will arrive back in London at 6am tomorrow morning giving Maresca minimal time to prepare for Sunday’s clash against Brentford.

“We will land at around six o’clock UK time but we are going to try to prepare the game in the best way we can as we have always done this season.”