OFF DAY..1 DAY OFF..O

CHELSEA head coach Enzo Maresca says his decision to cancel a day off last week following a poor training session reinforces the high standards he demands from his players.

- Ian McCullough

The Italian was furious after a side consisting of first-team squad members were beaten 3-0 by the club’s Under-21s and made them report for extra training the next day.

Although several of his players were missing due to international call-ups, Maresca insisted a team that included the likes Jadon Sancho, Tosin Adarabioyo and Malo Gusto were comfortable with his decision.

He said: “The day after, they were completely aware of the standards of the day before.

“Since I joined the club I have always demanded high standards. It was an intentional break, there was no official game and not many players here.