Enzo Maresca praised the “professional” performance of his players as Chelsea comfortably beat League Two Morecambe 5-0 in the FA Cup third round.
Tosin Adarabioyo and Joao Felix scored braces, while Christopher Nkunku, who had a penalty saved in the first half, also scored to ensure there was no cup upset at Stamford Bridge.
Eighty-seven places separate both sides of the English football pyramid and, in the end, the gulf in quality became evident and Maresca’s team advanced convincingly to the Fourth Round.
Advancing to the fourth round of the #EmiratesFACup! 🏆#CFC pic.twitter.com/Eqw9mWrJdd
– Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) January 11, 2025
Speaking after the match, Maresca said: “It was a good afternoon in terms of the victory, that’s important. Furthermore, performance in this type of game shows how serious and professional we are.
“The FA Cup is an important competition. Since we started, we try to approach all competitions in the same way. We try to give our best in each competition.”
The Chelsea manager, who took the opportunity to make major changes to the starting eleven, revealed that Noni Madueke missed the game due to illness.
Maresca also stressed the need to be patient regarding the fitness of returning players such as Reece James, adding that players like Nkunku and Felix will let their football speak for itself.
“The idea is to gradually build the appropriate conditions,” said Maresca. “Especially with Reece (James), we have to be a little more careful. He and Romeo (Lavia) finished well and without problems. We have to help them be in the right conditions.
“Christo (Nkunku) and Joao (Felix) didn’t knock on the door or ask anything, but it’s not necessary.”
Chelsea’s next game is Tuesday’s visit to Bournemouth in the Premier League.
