Darren Bent praises one thing Enzo Maresca is doing at Chelsea to keep morale high

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Enzo Maresca has deserved the praise that has come his way in the opening few months of his time in charge at Chelsea.

There were certainly some doubters in the summer when Enzo Maresca was appointed the new Chelsea manager, but he’s quickly adapted to life as a Premier League boss. So far, the Italian head coach has helped the Blues up to third in the league table.

Levi Colwill claims Chelsea have taken huge tactical steps since Maresca took charge. It’s worth remembering that it’s still only November, too.

He guided Leicester City to the Championship title and promotion last season, but he’s now in a much bigger environment in west London.

• READ MORE: Declan Rice gives honest verdict on Enzo Maresca after working with Chelsea manager

Darren Bent really likes Enzo Maresca’s selection policy at Chelsea

TalkSPORT pundit Darren Bent has praised Maresca for the way he’s managed the Chelsea squad so far this season. Interestingly, he’s played pretty much two different sides when it comes to the Premier League and the various cup competitions.

“What I like about him (Maresca) is that as players, you want to play games. He’s managing to almost pick two teams for the Conference League and the Premier League,” Bent told talkSPORT.

“What he’s doing is effectively those guys who are not getting much minutes in the Premier League; they know at least come Conference League time; that’s where my next game is. At least it gives them something to focus on. It almost keeps the morale quite high. Yeah, you’re going to be annoyed that you’re not involved in the Premier League, but at least he’s not phasing you out completely.”

While it may seem quite ruthless to some, there’s definitely been a clear split when it comes to the A-team in the league and the B-team in the cups.

Chelsea’s owners believe Maresca is working with a great squad of players, which is fair enough when you look at the sheer strength in depth. But it must be a tough job trying to keep so many high-profile names happy inside the same dressing room.

Chelsea players in the B-team knocking the loudest on the door

In fairness, Maresca has already shown he’s willing to promote players into his Premier League XI if they shine in the cup appearances. For example, Pedro Neto has emerged as a key figure in the league in the last few games after struggling for top-flight starts earlier in the season.

Joao Felix and Christopher Nkunku are two Chelsea attackers seriously impressing this year, but the bulk of their good work is coming away from the Premier League.

Maresca has admitted he’d love to play Felix more in the league, but he can’t find room for him in the team.

It’s great to see most of the squad still involved on a pretty regular basis. However, how long will these top stars be content with limited minutes in the league?