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Maresca Praises 16-Year-Old Reggie Walsh After Chelsea’s Europa Win
Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca was full of praise for teenage midfielder Reggie Walsh after the Blues sealed a 1-0 win over Djurgarden in the Europa Conference League semi-final second leg on Thursday.
The 16-year-old made his first senior start for Chelsea, slotting into Maresca’s system seamlessly. A first-half goal from Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall proved enough to secure the victory at Stamford Bridge, sending Chelsea to the final with a 5-1 aggregate win.
They will now face Real Betis in the final later this month. Betis edged Fiorentina 4-3 across both legs in their own semi-final clash. Speaking after the game, Maresca shared his thoughts on Walsh’s standout performance.
“He was smiling, relaxed, and just enjoying himself,” Maresca said. “I told him to play like he does in training. You could see he wasn’t scared, just confident.” The Chelsea boss added, “Reggie fits perfectly into the way I want my team to play. At just 16, the way he demanded the ball and handled possession was impressive.”
Maresca also gave a lighthearted reminder of Walsh’s age: “Tomorrow, he still has to go to school—but there’s no doubt he’s a very talented player.” Chelsea return to Premier League action this weekend as they prepare to take on Newcastle United.
Chelsea player Enzo Fernández is in discussions to join Manchester City. This information was revealed by Fabrizio Romano, who shared that the two clubs are discussing a potential deal.
He wrote: “Enzo Fernández has a verbal agreement with Manchester City on personal terms.
“Deal depends on club-to-club decision, as #MCFC have not sent an official bid yet, but contacts will take place soon; decision on price is up to Chelsea.
“Enzo could be out again this weekend.”
Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca mentions his captains for the team. He mentions Rúben Dias and Erling Haaland.
He shared “We have experienced players. For sure, we have leaders. Now we need to wait four or five more days until the transfer window closes to see if we can add one or two more captains to Ruben [Dias] and Erling , who at the moment are the two captains.”
Maresca confirmed the pair as part of his leadership group ahead of the 2026/27 season, with two more captains expected to be selected after the transfer window closes.
Chelsea manager speaks on the team and shares thoughts on considering a change in goalkeepers, giving another goalkeeper, Mike Penders, a chance.
“Penders is part of the squad, so he has an opportunity. We will decide and then I am giving the team tomorrow to the players, so I prefer to respect that they know first.”
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