Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca slammed for ‘uncomfortable’ Josh Acheampong treatment
Enzo Maresca has been criticised for the second week running for his treatment of young Chelsea talents, this time by Lucy Ward.
In Chelsea‘s first-leg battle with FC Copenhagen, youngster Shim Mheuka was hooked at half-time, having seen little supply of the ball in his first start for the club.
Joe Cole spoke during halftime of that game, saying how it made him “feel sorry” for the young star, after a “nothing half” for the Blues.
After another frustrating and fruitless first-half, the under-pressure Maresca made a similar move to the one he was criticised for in the first-leg.
Enzo Maresca hooks Josh Acheampong at half-time
Josh Acheampong was the latest Blues youngster to be taken off at half-time, suffering the same fate as his fellow academy gradute, Mheuka.
Copenhagen had taken control of the game, threatening to topple Chelsea with their dangerous attacks.
Speaking on TNT Sports, former Leeds striker Lucy Ward gave her opinion on why she didn’t like the decision to remove Acheampong, saying (9.03pm): “I tell you what I’m not really comfortable with, taking a young player off at half time, taking off the legs, when they weren’t probably the worst player in that particular unit.
“It’s too easy to do that, far too easy as a manager.”
| Chelsea next three fixtures | Competition | Date |
| Arsenal (A) | Premier League | 16 March |
| Tottenham (H) | Premier League | 3 April |
| Brentford (A) | Premier League | 6 April |
Despite the commentator’s displeasure with the decision, Maresca was vindicated when January Everton target Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall scored in the 55th minute.
In both legs, Chelsea responded well to the half-time changes, scoring soon after half-time.
The Blues held on to their 1-0 lead, progressing with a 3-1 aggregate lead, and will face Polish side Legia Warszawa in the quarter-final of the Conference League.
Chelsea on course to become first winners of Champions League, Europa League and Conference League
Football Insider Verdict
Whilst not the most prestigious European trophy, the Conference League has been a brilliant addition by UEFA.
It has given smaller European teams the opportunity to claim glory, when otherwise they may not have the chance to do so.
However, this year, a big boy looks set to spoil the party, with Chelsea on-track to become the first winners of all three current European competitions, having previously won both the Champions League, and Europa League.
Whilst the primary concern remains Champions League qualification, Maresca and his team will likely be focused on claiming the trophy to add to their collection, and in doing so, make history. Even if that means foregoing some valuable minutes for his younger players.