Chelsea had to be patient waiting for our breakthrough against a Heidenheim side roared on by their vocal home support, but kept to our task well.

Christopher Nkunku continued his impressive form in the Conference League to capitalise on the Germans' defensive uncertainty and fire us into the lead shortly after half-time, and then Mykhailo Mudryk put the result beyond doubt by completing a 2-0 victory with a stunning strike into the top corner late on.

Reflecting on the match after the final whistle, Maresca felt the win was no less than his players deserved on balance, even if he acknowledged it was a difficult game.

'It was tough, very tough, which is exactly the way we expected the game to be,' said our head coach. 'Against a Bundesliga team away on a small pitch it is always going to be complicated, but overall I think we did quite well with that.

'A Bundesliga team away is never easy, it’s always going to be a tough game. I’m very happy with the payers, all of them did fantastic because it was not an easy game.

'We could have scored many goals, we also conceded some chances, but overall I think we deserved to win the game and I am very happy for the players.'

However, while Heidenheim made us work hard for the three points, he believes it was a positive test of the team's mentality as we extended our winning run in Europe to make it four victories in as many matches in the league stage of this season's Conference League.

'It was a very good challenge for all aspects. They were pressing high, they were intense, but no matter what the opposition do it’s important that we are ready.

'It’s important also to continue with that mentality, to try to win all the games. This is a good way to build something.

'I am very happy that we still have our 100 per cent record in the Conference League, hopefully we can finish exactly the same way. Now it’s time to recover the energy and go again on Sunday [in our next match against Aston Villa].'

Finally, Maresca praised the travelling Chelsea fans who had made the trip to Germany to cheer on the Blues, having been impressed by the dedication of our away support throughout the season.

'They were fantastic,' added the Italian. 'They are always top away, not only in England but abroad as well. They are always with us, they came here and we are happy that they can go back home with a win.'