Soccer-Early kickoff at Newcastle not ideal, says Chelsea boss Maresca

FILE PHOTO: Soccer Football - Conference League - Chelsea Training - Cobham Training Centre, Cobham, Britain - May 7, 2025 Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca during training Action Images via Reuters/Andrew Couldridge/File Photo

LONDON (Reuters) - Chelsea's noon (1100GMT) kickoff at Newcastle United in the Premier League on Sunday is not ideal after their midweek Conference League game but the team will adapt and prepare with Champions League places at stake, manager Enzo Maresca has said.

Chelsea beat Swedish side Djurgarden on Thursday to reach the Conference League final but will have fewer than 72 hours to turn their attention back to the Premier League top-five race when they travel to Tyneside.