Chelsea’s Enzo Maresca: “We Don’t Protect Players from the Calendar”

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has voiced his concerns regarding the lack of protection players receive from the football calendar. He emphasized that players articulating their worries about the demanding schedule is “a good starting point” for addressing the issue.

The dialogue surrounding player workload has gained momentum recently. Manchester City midfielder Rodri remarked that players are even willing to consider striking due to the overwhelming number of matches. His stance has resonated with other prominent figures like Thibaut Courtois from Real Madrid and Jules Koundé from Barcelona. Furthermore, Madrid’s head coach, Carlo Ancelotti, hinted that players might be open to lower salaries in exchange for playing fewer games.

Maresca is the latest individual within the football community to contribute to this significant discussion. When asked if the current number of matches is excessive, he unequivocally affirmed, “Yes, no doubt.” According to him, the football calendar places significant strain on players.

“In terms of games, it’s too much. We do not protect players,” he said. “The only ones that can do something is the players. We can help them. I think in the last two weeks some of the players have explained what they think, and I think it’s a good starting point.”

In response to the hectic schedule, Chelsea has taken steps to manage its players’ minutes, notably excluding Cole Palmer, Wesley Fofana, and Romeo Lavia from their UEFA Conference League squad.

Currently, Chelsea stands eighth in the Premier League after four games. They are set to compete against West Ham in a London derby on Saturday, which promises to be a thrilling encounter.

Maresca also provided an update on team availability, confirming that both Enzo Fernández and newly signed Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall will be fit for the upcoming match at the London Stadium. The duo missed last weekend’s victory over Bournemouth due to illness.

However, there are still concerns regarding injuries within the squad, as club captain Reece James and Malo Gusto remain sidelined due to ongoing fitness issues.

As the football community grapples with the ramifications of a packed calendar, Maresca’s insights shed light on the urgent need for a reevaluation of player welfare in the sport. The increasing support from players like Rodri, Courtois, and Koundé highlights a growing consensus that the current demands are unsustainable.

It remains to be seen how these discussions will manifest into tangible changes, but the acknowledgment from key figures like Maresca signifies a step in the right direction. Players are advocating for their well-being, and this discourse could pave the way for a more balanced approach to the football calendar in the future.

As the situation unfolds, fans and analysts alike will be closely monitoring how clubs, players, and governing bodies respond to the rising concerns about player workloads. For now, Chelsea prepares for their next challenge while navigating the complexities of player health and performance amidst a crowded schedule.