Maresca makes Chelsea game-time vow to Sancho and Mudryk

Enzo Maresca has promised that the likes of Jadon Sancho and Mikhailo Mudryk will get plenty of minutes for Chelsea in the coming weeks after he impressed in the 2-0 win over Heidenheim.

Sancho played a starring role in both of the Blues' goals on Thursday, with his strong run helping Christopher Nkunku set up the opener before teeing up Mudryk to seal a fourth win in the competition.

Neither player is a regular for the Blues in the Premier League, with Maresca mixing up his options between Premier League duties and domestic and European league ventures.

Sancho has played just 312 minutes at top level this season, while Mudryk has managed just 146 minutes in his seven Premier League appearances, despite scoring six goals in the Europa Conference League so far (three goals, three assists).

But as the English football calendar reaches a busy festive schedule, Chelsea boss Maresca said both players will get their fair share of action.

He told a press conference: “I said since we started: Jadon is very important for us. He has to be fit, mentally and physically, and he will help us a lot.

“Unfortunately we haven't used him in the last few games, but he showed tonight how important he is. We need that quality in the final third against a low block. He will help us enormously.”

“He (Mudryk) is one of the players I just mentioned. It's difficult to find players tonight who didn't play well. We need them all to take the chances when they get the chances.

“They all want to play more; they all deserve to play and are working fantastically. We are going to share minutes in the next games because we have so many games and it is a normal thing to do.”

Four wins out of four! #CFC | #UECL pic.twitter.com/DAJ6BxXktM

— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) November 28, 2024

Chelsea led the league stage and are on the brink of the last sixteen. Maresca praised the mentality his team showed to remain perfect in the competition.

“It was a very good challenge for all aspects, they were very urgent and intense, but whatever they do, it is important that we are ready for it,” he added.

“It's important to continue with that mentality.”