Chelsea might have 42 players, but I work with 21 - says Enzo Maresca

Enzo Maresca, the head coach of Chelsea, addressed the addition of Joao Felix to the team during a press conference prior to the Conference League match against Servette on Wednesday.

He indicated the possibility of further signings for a squad that currently comprises 42 players.

"Firstly, he is a talented player. The club has been aware of his abilities for two years.

He is versatile and can operate in various roles for us, whether centrally, as a striker, or on the flanks," Maresca stated regarding Felix, before commenting on the challenges posed by the large squad in London.

"The responsibility of any coach is to ensure the satisfaction of all players, but achieving this is nearly impossible. Only 11 players can take the field at any given time. I strive to maintain transparency with each of them.

The external chatter is amplified because I have been managing a group of 21 or 22 players since our return from the United States. I am not directly working with all 42 players; over 15 are training separately," the Chelsea coach explained.

Maresca further emphasized that matters such as the duration of contracts are not within his purview.

"They could have contracts lasting 20 years. That is not my concern; it does not affect me," he remarked, also touching upon the situation of Raheem Sterling, who was omitted from the squad for the Premier League season opener: "Sterling will receive no playing time here."