While fans were enthralled by the punch-for-punch pre-Christmas approach that led to premature talk of a title challenge, Maresca wasn’t. After the 6-2 win over Wolves he bemoaned his side’s lack of “control”. After the 4-2 win over Brighton he laboured over how “open” Chelsea were.

Maresca was "surprised" by the way Copenhagen set up for the first leg last week: "I watched many of their games and they played with a four but against us they played with five [in defence]. Then we tried to adapt. They changed completely the way they played. We don't know how they will play - we will find out tomorrow."

Chelsea news as Enzo Maresca can make unthinkable Cole Palmer squad decision against FC Copenhagen and won't get a better chance

COMMENT: Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca risked upsetting fans and his star man Cole Palmer with his brutal honesty.

Palmer saw his streak of 12 successful Premier League penalties ended by Leicester goalkeeper Mads Hermansen in the first half of the game.

Chelsea talisman Cole Palmer failed to score for a ninth consecutive match after missing a penalty against Leicester, but it emerged after the game that he had been struggling with illness

Enzo Maresca has revealed that Cole Palmer played through illness during Chelsea ’s win over Leicester, as he backed his struggling star to bounce back from his penalty miss. Warwick Davis says woman who helped him find love again is like comedy character