Enzo Maresca Explains Why He Started Key players like Palmer and Jackson in Chelsea Lineup Against Legia Warsaw

Chelsea fans we’re left surprised and confused on Thursday night when head coach Enzo Maresca decided to start key players like Cole Palmer and Nicolas Jackson in the second leg of their UEFA Europa Conference League quarter-final against Legia Warsaw. Many expected the coach to rest his key players since Chelsea had already won the first leg 3-0. But Maresca instead picked a strong team—one that included the likes of Reece James, Marc Cucurella, Palmer, and Jackson.

Despite the strong lineup Chelsea lost 2-1 at Stamford Bridge. However, they still make it through to the semi-finals with a 4-2 win on aggregate. Even though Chelsea progressed, the performance was poor and Maresca’s team didn’t look sharp.

So why did Maresca risk his key players just three days before a big Premier League game against Fulham? After the game, he explained his reasons during a press conference.

“The idea was for them, especially for Nico, to help him continue building fitness,” said Maresca. “Cole had a small problem before the break, so we used him for 45 minutes or an hour to help him get his rhythm back. If they had scored, it would have been a big confidence boost.”

Jackson played only the first half, which helped him get minutes after coming back from an injury. But the Senegal striker didn’t look very good, and he still have not scored a goal in 2025.

Palmer also had a quiet night and has now gone 15 matches without scoring. His last goal came in January, during the 2-2 draw against Bournemouth.

The game could have been the perfect chance for both players to score and regain their confidence. Unfortunately, neither found the net, and Chelsea’s only goal came from defender Marc Cucurella.

Fans hoped Palmer and Jackson would step up in a game where Chelsea didn’t need to take risks. Instead, both players struggled, and the team looked tired and lacking creativity.

Chelsea now have six Premier League games left this season. They’ll need to win most of them and also try to go all the way in the Conference League if they want to qualify for next season’s Champions League.

That’s why Maresca is taking every chance to help his players regain form and fitness. He’s hoping that giving Palmer and Jackson minutes—even in less important games—will help them perform better when it really matters.

The upcoming game against Fulham will be a big test. Chelsea will need Palmer’s creativity and Jackson’s goals if they are to finish the season strongly. Maresca’s decision to start them against Legia Warsaw may have raised concerns, but it shows he believes getting these two back to their best is key to Chelsea’s hopes this season.