Enzo Maresca delivers clear message in first words as Chelsea boss

Enzo Maresca has spoken for the first time publicly as the new Chelsea head coach.

The Italian, who was appointed as Mauricio Pochettino’s successor last month, has finally spoken in an extensive interview with the club’s media team. Maresca was asked about a whole variety of subjects, including his play-style and the significance of building a connection with the supporters.

“‘In this moment, when you join a club you try to analyse what the club and team needs to improve and do the right things,” the 44-year-old explained. “For me, it’s clear we need to create as soon as possible the right mentality and culture, a culture that the fans can be proud of. This is very important.

“We are going to try to be an aggressive team on the ball and off the ball and we need to create this connection between the fans and the club, especially at home. When you have your own fans behind the team pushing, it’s like playing with 12 players and this is what we have to create here.”

Maresca, who was the club’s first-choice option after a thorough process where numerous coaches were considered, is really excited to get working with his players in pre-season. There are a few who are still representing their countries at Euro 2024 or Copa America but a large portion of them are expected back at Cobham today to begin their preparations for their tour of the United States later in the month.

“I’m very excited,” Maresca said about meeting his players. “One of the reasons I’m here is because I’m convinced the squad is very good and full of talent. The most important thing now is we’re able to create the right culture that drives us for the season.

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“I always say the same: if you are able to improve players then you are able to improve the team. So it is our target to try to improve all of them day by day.”

He added: “It’s very important [to start working with the players] because we need to know each other. I already feel I know all of them to be honest because I’ve watched so many games in the last two or three weeks. So feel I know all of them.

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“But it is always different when you spend day by day with the person. You can see them through games but when you spend day by day with the players, with the human beings, the people, you receive a different kind of feeling.”

And Maresca was asked to send one final message to the club’s supporters, who have been waiting patiently for their new head coach to speak to them. The former Leicester City boss has called on patience and hinted that his ideology could take some time before it becomes successful at Stamford Bridge.

“Just trust the process, trust the idea, be behind the team,” Maresca said. “For sure we are going to enjoy the journey. Like at every club, for every manager, it will not be easy because nothing is easy. But for sure we are going to enjoy the journey.”