Bernie Wilson
Updated on: October 16, 2024 7:00 am GMT
Chelsea’s long-awaited debut in the UEFA Conference League takes place this Thursday at Stamford Bridge. The Blues are gearing up for their first match against KAA Gent, marking an exciting new chapter for the club.
Preparing for the Challenge
After a narrow playoff victory over Servette, Chelsea is ready to kick off the league phase of the tournament. With six matches ahead in this group stage, fans are eager to see how the team will perform. Chelsea’s ability to progress to the knockout rounds appears promising, especially given that key players like Cole Palmer, Wesley Fofana, and Roméo Lavia are not registered for this initial stage.
Healthy Squad and Player Selection
Head coach Enzo Maresca is excited about the team’s overall fitness, with only Reece James sidelined. This healthy roster presents a challenge for Maresca in choosing his starting lineup. Players are motivated to earn their spots on the pitch.
- Christopher Nkunku: The recent hat-trick scorer is keen to start, emphasizing the need for competition among teammates.
- Pedro Neto: After scoring in the last game, Neto stresses the importance of hard work and maintaining a competitive spirit.
- Levi Colwill: Enjoying his best form under Maresca, Colwill attributes much of his success to the trust given to him by the coach.
Match Details
The upcoming match against KAA Gent will take place at 8 PM local time. Chelsea hopes to build on their recent successes and make a strong impression in their inaugural European campaign.
Quotes from the Players
Nkunku shared his thoughts on team motivation, saying, “I think for each player and each position, you need to be competitive. We want to help the team in every game.” Meanwhile, Neto expressed, “With the amount of quality we have here, no one can sleep. We have to work hard and continue doing it every week.”
Colwill also highlighted the importance of trust in his development, stating, “He’s given me a lot of confidence and he’s put a lot of trust in me to play my football.” This shows the positive environment Maresca is fostering within the squad.
Set for a Strong Start
As the Blues prepare to face Gent, expectations are high. The players have shown excitement and focus during training sessions. The competition is fierce, and every player is eager to contribute in their first major European outing.
- Training sessions have been vibrant, even under the rainy skies of Cobham.
- Players are looking forward to maintaining momentum leading to a crucial domestic match against Nottingham Forest soon after.
With a blend of youth and experience, Maresca’s team seems poised to make their mark. Fans will be watching closely as Chelsea aims for a memorable opening in their UEFA Conference League journey.
Conclusion
Thursday’s game is a big moment for Chelsea as they start something new. The team is full of talented players who are excited and ready to play. Let’s see if they can put on an amazing show in their first UEFA Conference League match!
