Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca believes his side would benefit from a few more experienced players in the squad after their 2-2 draw with Newcastle at St James' Park.

The Blues made a poor start to the game and were two goals down after just 20 minutes through a double from Nick Woltemade, but they fought back in the second half as Reece James scored a fine free-kick and Joao Pedro drew them level in the 66th minute.

Chelsea seemed to struggle with the high pressing from Newcastle in the opening minutes of the match and Maresca believes some added experience may be necessary for his younger players to deal with hostile atmospheres, such as the one they encountered on Tyneside.

When asked whether older heads are integral to handling grounds like St James’ Park, Maresca affirmed: "Yes of course."

In his pre-match interview with TNT, Maresca seemed to criticise Chelsea's well-documented youth-driven recruitment programme, which has largely contributed to the club failing to include any outfield player over the age of 30 in their matchday squads this season.

"When you have a 20, 21-year-old and a player who is 30, 31 years old, and he starts to say something [to them], it's invaluable. But it's the strategy of the club [of younger players]," he said.

The Italian said he had been put through his “worst 48 hours” as Chelsea boss after the 2-0 win over Everton last week, but reiterated that he is satisfied with the direction his side is heading in after also advancing to the EFL Cup semi-finals in midweek following a 3-1 win at Cardiff.

"We beat Everton, we beat Cardiff and we drew Newcastle away. So in terms of results, I am happy," Maresca said.

"I just focus on what I can control, pitch-side, knowing that there is always noise you need to manage.

"My message at the end of the game is, for sure in the first half we could do better, but the character they showed in the second half should make them proud.

"My last week has not been complicated. It has been good.

"Again, there are things that for sure we can do better. But I think we are going in the right direction."