- French court cracks down on Corsican language use in local assembly
- Prosecutors seek up to 14-year terms for French rape trial defendants
- Russia expels UK diplomat accused of espionage
- Israeli security cabinet to discuss ceasefire as US says deal 'close'
- COP29 president blames rich countries for 'imperfect' deal
- Stocks retreat, dollar mixed on Trump tariff warning
- No regrets: Merkel looks back at refugee crisis, Russia ties
- IPL history-maker, 13, who 'came on Earth to play cricket'
- Ukraine says Russia using landmines to carry out 'genocidal activities'
- Prosecutors seek up to 12-year terms for French rape trial defendants
- 'Record' drone barrage pummels Ukraine as missile tensions seethe
- Laos hostel staff detained after backpackers' deaths
- Hong Kong LGBTQ advocate wins posthumous legal victory
- Ukraine says cannot meet landmine destruction pledge due to Russia invasion
- Rod Stewart to play Glastonbury legends slot
- Winter rains pile misery on war-torn Gaza's displaced
- 'Taiwan also has baseball': jubilant fans celebrate historic win
- Russia pummels Ukraine with 'record' drone barrage
- Paul Pogba blackmail trial set to open in Paris
- China's Huawei unveils 'milestone' smartphone with homegrown OS
- Landmine victims gather to protest US decision to supply Ukraine
- Indian rival royal factions clash outside palace
- Equity markets retreat, dollar gains as Trump fires tariff warning
- Manga adaptation 'Drops of God' nets International Emmy Award
- China's Huawei launches 'milestone' smartphone with homegrown OS
- Philippine VP denies assassination plot against Marcos
- Four Pakistan security forces killed as ex-PM Khan supporters flood capital
- Hong Kong's legal battles over LGBTQ rights: key dates
- US lawmakers warn Hong Kong becoming financial crime hub
- Compressed natural gas vehicles gain slow momentum in Nigeria
- As Arctic climate warms, even Santa runs short of snow
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- Indonesia rejects Apple's $100 million investment offer
- Pakistan police fire tear gas, rubber bullets at ex-PM Khan supporters
- Ronaldo double takes Al Nassr to brink of AFC Champions League last 16
- Pakistan police fire tear gas, rubber bullets at pro-Khan supporters
- Hong Kong same-sex couples win housing, inheritance rights
- Indonesia digs out as flooding, landslide death toll hits 20
- Liverpool's old guard thriving despite uncertain futures
- Mbappe takes reins for Real Madrid in Liverpool clash
- As AI gets real, slow and steady wins the race
- China's Huawei to launch 'milestone' smartphone with homegrown OS
- Porzingis and Morant make triumphant NBA returns
- Hong Kong top court affirms housing, inheritance rights for same-sex couples
- Philippines, China clashes trigger money-making disinformation
- Most Asian markets drop, dollar gains as Trump fires tariff warning
- England 'not quivering' ahead of New Zealand Test challenge
- Bethell to bat at three on England Test debut against New Zealand
- Trump vows big tariffs on Mexico, Canada and China
- New Zealand and England to play for Crowe-Thorpe Trophy
Chelsea are 'one team' despite rotations, says Maresca
Enzo Maresca said Wednesday that Chelsea are "one team, one squad" despite his policy of making wholesale changes for Conference League matches.
The Italian, in his first season at Stamford Bridge, has effectively been fielding two sides so far this season -- one in the Premier League and the other in Europe.
He made 11 changes to the starting line-up for last month's 4-1 win at Panathinaikos, which took Chelsea to the top of the Conference League table after two games.
But speaking on the eve of his team's home match against Armenian side Noah on Thursday, he defended his approach.
"We make changes because we have 24, 25 players, all fit, all good enough to play different competitions," he said.
"The season is so long, we have so many games," he added. "And for sure, all of them, they are going to play Conference League and Premier League games or FA Cup, the next one.
"So it's not, I already said, I can understand that from outside, you can see two teams, but we have just one team, one squad, 24, 25 players, all fit, fortunately.
"And we're going to try to use all of them."
Maresca, whose team are fourth in the Premier League, was asked about the situation of forward Joao Felix, who is yet to start a league game this season.
"I would like to give him more minutes in the Premier League. But I said many times we need a defensive balance, and we cannot play with Joao, Cole (Palmer), Chris (Nkunku).
"I like to put all of them inside the pitch, but then you have to also defend, and you need the right balance.
"And this is the only reason why. But I don't have any doubt that if Joao keeps working well, he's going to find his moment also in the Premier League."
Maresca said the Conference League was tough for Chelsea as they are the favourites.
"We need to be ready technically, but also mentally," he said.
"(Noah) is a team that in their country, they play different shapes. So we don't know how they're going to come here and play.
"Today in football, you can find good players, good squads, good teams and good managers everywhere, not only in the most important leagues in Europe or in the world."
C.Meier--BTB