Chelsea manager Maresca thrilled with young players' mentality in Cup triumph

The Blues have been on top form this past week, securing impressive victories over West Ham United with a 3-0 win and Barrow with a convincing 5-0 triumph.

The latter was a Carabao Cup third round clash against a lower division side.

Christopher Nkunku fired in a hat-trick, while Joao Felix and Pedro Neto got goals as well.

“I’m very happy with the performance, with the result,” said Maresca post-game.

“We made many changes but the idea from the team was exactly the same and this has to be one of our targets. No matter who is going to play, it’s important that the identity of the team is always there.

“With this kind of game I’m always worried a lot, because they are tricky games and football is full of these games. When you underestimate the opponent you can concede chances and goals, but tonight I think the performance was very good and we showed how serious we are.

“Before the game I asked the players that even if we are the youngest squad in the Premier League, they have to show how serious we are. For me the most important thing tonight was winning the game, but also sending a message that yes, we are young, but we are men, we are serious and we want to compete.”