Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca swiftly shifted his focus to the Premier League after his team secured a 2-1 victory over FC Copenhagen in the first leg of their Conference League round of 16 tie on Thursday.
Despite the win, Maresca emphasized the paramount importance of their upcoming domestic fixture against Leicester City.
The Blues, currently fifth in the Premier League standings, are intensifying their pursuit of a top-four finish, which would guarantee them a coveted Champions League spot for the next season.
Goals from Reece James and Enzo Fernandez propelled Chelsea to victory, though a late consolation goal from Copenhagen’s Gabriel Pereira slightly dampened the celebration.
“It was a little bit of a sloppy goal (we conceded), we could’ve avoided that. But it’s football, it can happen… we’re happy we won,” Maresca told reporters, acknowledging the late setback. However, he quickly redirected his attention to the crucial league match. “But the most important thing is Sunday’s game.”
Chelsea, with their sights firmly set on closing the gap on fourth-placed Manchester City, are aware that every remaining game is pivotal.
“From now on every game is important and if we can win against Leicester on Sunday we can take one more step towards our target, which is finishing in the Champions League positions,” Maresca stated.
Adding to the team’s optimism, Maresca offered an encouraging update on defender Malo Gusto, who was forced off the field with an injury in the first half.
“He’s okay, he’s better. They just said to me he could possibly be available for Sunday’s game, so hopefully we will have him for Sunday,” he revealed.
The victory in Copenhagen marks Chelsea’s second consecutive win, a feat they haven’t achieved since December, providing a timely boost as they enter a critical phase of the season.
The team now turns its attention to Leicester City, with the aim of securing vital Premier League points and solidifying their Champions League aspirations.
