Maurizio Sarri, like many other Premier League managers, has acknowledged there is an opportunity to rotate in the EFL Cup.
With Chelsea competing on four fronts this season, the Italian has prioritised certain competitions.
And Sarri’s priorities were on show last night for Chelsea’s game against Liverpool at Anfield.
He made eight changes to the side that played against West Ham on Sunday, with Cesar Azpilicueta, Mateo Kovacic and Willian the only remaining starters.
(Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images)
But instead of handing opportunities to young, academy players, Sarri favoured veterans such as Victor Moses and Gary Cahill.
Although Chelsea won the game 2-1 – helped by a fantastic goal from Eden Hazard – fans were hoping to see their youngsters get a chance.
After impressing during the preseason, Callum Hudson-Odoi and Ethan Ampadu have been training with the first team all season.
Although Hudson-Odoi was named on the bench, Ampadu failed to make the squad.
There are high hopes for the 18 year-old after fans witnessed his abilities at international level.
Ampadu has made two competitive starts for Wales already and already looks vital for Ryan Giggs.
(Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)
And following his dominant performance against Ireland in the last international break, Chelsea fans were hopeful to catch a glimpse of the Welshman.
But he had to settle for a spot in the stands for Chelsea’s smash-and-grab win at Anfield.
So, here’s how Chelsea took the news that Ampadu hadn’t made the squad to face Liverpool:
Very disappointing. No Ampadu, No Loftus-Cheek. What's the point of this comp of we aren't blooding our prospects?!
— Benjamin (@BenjiColes) September 26, 2018
I’ll never understand Chelsea. One of the best academies in the country and the young players never get used. There’s absolutely no reason why Ampadu or CHO shouldn’t be involved tonight.
— Sibs 🔰 (@SibsMUFC) September 26, 2018
You're kidding yourself if you think Mount stands any chance at Chelsea whilst CHO and Ampadu, who have actually proven themselves, can't get in ahead of Cahill and Moses.
Sorry but it is the truth.
— David (@TekkaBooSon) September 26, 2018
Ethan Ampadu not even in the match-day squad is an oddity that will need explaining.
— Mark Worrall (@gate17marco) September 26, 2018
The only good thing is that we should hopefully face an ‘easier’ draw in the next round for the likes of CHO and Ampadu. How either haven’t been given a chance in this game or the Europa League is dreadful!
— Mark (@sparkz91) September 26, 2018
Bitterly disappointed that Ampadu and CHO didn’t featured so want to see them play. We all think the same, seen this so many times over the years…seem to never let our youth flourish! On the flip side….great to see Eden destroy them! YNWA 🤣🤣
— Brian Cooke (@chelscookie44) September 26, 2018
