Enzo Maresca sends 'serious' trophy message after Chelsea reach Carabao Cup fourth-round

Enzo Maresca says his Chelsea side’s ruthless dismantling of lowly Barrow in the Carabao Cup proves they are “serious” about competing for trophies this term.

Maresca made 11 changes to his side for the third round tie against the League Two leaders and saw his understudies impress in a 5-0 rout.

Christopher Nkunku opened the scoring on eight minutes and went on to complete a hat-trick, while Pedro Neto added his first Chelsea goal after Joao Felix had forced an own-goal from Barrow ‘keeper Paul Farman.

“I’m very happy with the performance, with the result,” Maresca said. “We did many changes, but the idea from the team was exactly the same. This has to be one of our targets, no matter how we are going to play, it is important that the identity of the team is always there.

"This type of game, I'm always worried a lot because they are tricky games. Football is full of these games, where you underestimate the other team; you concede goals and you concede chances.

“But tonight I think the performance was very good and we showed how serious we are."

Chelsea came within a whisker of winning this competition last season, losing to Liverpool in extra-time at Wembley.

Maresca has repeatedly admitted his side are some way off matching the likes of Manchester City and Arsenal in the Premier League, but believes they can still challenge for trophies, with the Conference League and club World Cup meaning the Blues will play in five different competitions this term.

“Before the game I asked the players that even if they are the youngest team in the Premier League to show how serious we are,” Maresca added. “To send a message that, yes, we are young but we are serious and want to compete.”