Enzo Maresca: Panathinaikos atmosphere won't intimidate Blues | News | Official site

Having spent a season in Greece during his playing career, Chelsea coach Enzo Maresca knows full well that his team will be in for a fervent atmosphere against Panathinaikos tonight.

Maresca spent the 2009/10 season in the Greek capital playing for Olympiacos – Panathinaikos' bitter rivals – and experienced first-hand the intense atmosphere created by the fans.

The Blues are likely to be confronted with this this evening in the Olympic Stadium, which has a capacity of around 70,000 spectators. However, after showing the composure needed to face Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday, Maresca is confident his young side will rise to the challenge.

He said: “I'm from Italy and I know it (the atmosphere) is very close to Italy.” It's similar. Like you said, it's a different environment, but I think it's beautiful.

“I don't think the environment tomorrow is any worse or better than it was at Anfield last Sunday. “So I think the players can handle it quite well.”

Panathinaikos started their Conference League with a 1-1 draw against FK Borac and have been beaten just once in their last five Greek Super League games. That's why Maresca is expecting a tough test for his team in Athens this evening.

The Blues head coach said: “Panathinaikos has some good players.” For example, I was at Leicester last year and Tete was there two years ago, so I know (about him). There are different types of players and they are good players.

“Also, the manager (Diego Alonso) was in Seville. So overall I think, like all clubs, they have good things and some problems – and we will try to do our best to compete in the right way tomorrow.”

• Before kick-off there will be a tribute to George Baldock, who sadly passed away as a Panathinaikos player earlier this month. Chelsea fans can get involved by collecting green leaves as they enter the stadium and lifting them up if necessary.