Enzo Maresca says Chelsea are taking the Europa Conference League “step by step” as they aim to complete a perfect group stage against Shamrock Rovers.
The Blues are the only team to have secured their place in the last 16 of the competition, winning all five of their matches to date.
Chelsea have scored 21 goals in the Conference League and conceded just four as they have won their last seven goals in all competitions going into Thursday's tie.
The Maresca side are given a 91.1% chance of winning the match by the Opta supercomputer and are the favorites to win the tournament overall, but the Italian warned against complacency.
“We try to approach every match the same way: do our best and win the match,” Maresca said.
“Nowadays in football it is difficult to find a team that does not have strengths. All teams have something good, and some things we can try to work on and win the match.”
'I've seen four or five [Shamrock] games and it's a good team. They all try to defend as a block and play face-to-face with the other team. I'm pretty sure all games are hard.
Our very first match against an Irish team. pic.twitter.com/A0LFiW22f4
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) December 18, 2024
“It depends on us, the way we take that match, and it could be easier or harder, but it will definitely be another match that we try to win.
“I like to take it step by step. The main goal was the group stage, now it's almost here,” he added.
“So we'll see after the next match because the goal is always to get to the next round. Then we'll see where we end up.”
Josh Acheampong signed a contract extension with Chelsea on Wednesday, committing his future to the club until 2029.
Maresca handed him his full debut in their 3-1 win over Astana last time out in the Conference League, with the 18-year-old making the most tackles (four) of any Chelsea player.
“I'm very happy. With Josh it was very clear. We had him in pre-season and I didn't know him personally, but within two or three days he really impressed me,” said Maresca.
“Since the preseason I have been trying to understand the situation with him better because of his contract and this kind of things. Finally the club has found an agreement with him and we are all happy because we are all convinced. We are all sure that Josh can be a great player for this club.”
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