Chelsea
By Omowale Mercy
Chelsea’s Italian boss Enzo Maresca kept his cool after the Blues pulled off a stunning 3‑0 win over Barcelona at Stamford Bridge, insisting that the result hasn’t altered the club’s mindset. “It’s a massive win, especially against a side like Barcelona, but nothing has changed for us,” he told reporters, emphasizing that the team must stay focused on the next challenge.
The victory was sparked by a quick own‑goal from Jules Koundé, which set the tone for a dominant first half. Chelsea’s attacking trio then added a pair of goals—first a slick finish from teenage winger Estevão, and later a clinical strike from Liam Delap—sealing the three‑point haul and sending the Stamford crowd into raptures.
Maresca highlighted the importance of the win in the context of the Premier League table, noting that the three points bring Chelsea a step closer to league leaders Arsenal. “Every win counts,” he said, “and beating a team of Barcelona’s calibre gives us a real boost, but we can’t get complacent.”
Injury updates were also on the agenda. Midfielder Cole Palmer remains out with a fractured toe, but Maresca expressed optimism about his return, saying the player is “progressing well” and could be back sooner rather than later. The manager stressed that the squad’s depth will be tested as the season tightens.
Looking ahead, Maresca urged the players to switch off for the next 48 hours, recover properly, and keep their hunger alive. “We’ve got a lot of games coming up, and we need to stay sharp,” he warned, reminding everyone that consistency will be key in the run‑in.
The win over Barcelona has certainly lifted the mood around the club, but Maresca’s “nothing has changed” mantra serves as a reminder that Chelsea’s work is far from done. With the league race heating up, the Blues will be hoping to translate this confidence into more points as they chase the top of the table.
