Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall says it will be a 'failure' if Chelsea don't win Conference League title after win over Astana
Published 12/12/2024 at 19:28 GMT
Chelsea midfielder Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall was one of Enzo Maresca's players to feature in a sub-zero temperature victory against Astana in Kazakhstan in the UEFA Conference League on Thursday evening. The midfielder said the conditions were "very tough", but now the club have five wins from five in the league format, he added that he thinks they should be aiming to win the tournament.
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Chelsea midfielder Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall says it would be a "failure" if The Blues don't win the UEFA Conference League this season after winning 3-1 at Astana on Thursday evening.
The Londoners enjoyed a straightforward night without a full-strength line-up, with Enzo Maresca opting to rotate his squad.
Given the temperatures were as low as -10 degrees celsius in Almaty, some players might have struggled in difficult circumstances.
Speaking to TNT Sports after the victory, the 26-year-old said that while it had been tough, the players adjusted.
Dewsbury-Hall said: "Very tough, the coldest I’ve ever played in. You warm up a little in the game, so not too bad."
Asked to comment on the pitch, he added: "Considering how cold it was, it wasn't too bad. It was hard in places, but on the whole, it was OK."
Dewsbury-Hall also praised Chelsea fans for making the trek to Kazakhstan, when asked if he had heard their support in the stands.
"I did," he replied. "It is a credit to everyone that came to the game. A long journey, so thank you very much for the support."
Chelsea now have five wins from five matches in the tournament’s league format, and Dewsbury-Hall was positive about his team-mates’ ambition from their current position.
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He concluded: "[We want] to win it, simple as that. If we don’t win it, then it’s a failure."
Chelsea's next Conference League game is against Shamrock Rovers next Thursday, live on TNT Sports and discovery+, after The Blues take on Brentford in the Premier League this weekend.
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