Enzo Maresca Questions Copenhagen’s Lineup Strategy Ahead of Chelsea Clash in the Conference League

Chelsea heads into their Europa Conference League last 16 second leg against FC Copenhagen with a 2-1 advantage, yet there’s uncertainty surrounding how the Danish team will approach the match, according to manager Enzo Maresca on Wednesday.

Despite his analysis of the opposition leading up to his side’s victory in Denmark, Maresca gleaned little information prior to last week’s away encounter.

“I was taken aback because I had watched a lot of their matches, and they consistently defended with a line of four when off the ball, but against us, they opted for a line of five,” Maresca remarked to reporters ahead of Thursday’s clash at Stamford Bridge.

“Even during the weekend, they reverted to a line of four. So, we were quite surprised and had to adjust. We’ll see how they approach the game tomorrow.”

“We analysed the last match to understand their tactics, but I had scrutinised many games prior to the first leg and they completely switched their strategy.”

Illness has hampered Chelsea’s preparations, with several players missing training sessions since their narrow 1-0 triumph over Leicester City in the Premier League last Sunday. However, the manager remains optimistic that they will be fit to play.

“For Cole (Palmer), Reece (James), and Christopher (Nkunku), today was their first session back,” Maresca explained.

“They experienced some issues, but today they’re feeling much better. They were absent yesterday and took a break two days ago.

“Today they joined training and we will assess tomorrow if we can field all of them.”

Palmer had a penalty saved against Leicester, marking his first miss from the spot in the Premier League, yet the manager is not concerned about the England international’s mindset moving forward.

“Cole will miss more penalties in the future,” Maresca stated.

“I have no doubt he will miss again, but he will also convert more. I don’t believe this will negatively impact him.”

If Chelsea progress, they will meet either Norway’s Molde or Polish outfit Legia Warsaw in the quarter-finals.