Premier League
New Chelsea Coach Enzo Maresca Wants To Build Culture Which Reconnects With Fans
New Chelsea head, coach Enzo Maresca, stressed the need to address the culture at the club following a tumultuous two years in which the team had failed to challenge at the top of the Premier League.
The Italian was appointed in June, two weeks after Pochettino and the club mutually agreed to part ways due to their inability to agree on his role in football matters at Stamford Bridge.
Despite being twice Champions League winners, Chelsea spent most of the season in mid before a late surge from former manager Mauricio Pochettino saw them sixth and qualify for the Europa Conference League.
Chelsea was impressed by Maresca’s successful effort in bringing Leicester back to the top flight immediately after being relegated, during their extensive search to find a replacement for Pochettino.
Maresca’s winning mindset was believed to be a crucial factor in his hiring, along with the positive reviews from young players who had prior experience working with him.
“At this moment, when you join a club you try to analyze what the club and team need to improve and do the right things,” Maresca said on Monday.
“For me, it’s clear we need to create as soon as possible the right mentality and culture, a culture the fans can be proud of.
“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.”
Maresca is Chelsea’s seventh Italian manager and is aiming to follow compatriots Carlo Ancelotti, Antonio Conte, and Roberto Di Matteo who won six major trophies between them at the London club.
Gianluca Vialli, the Premier League’s inaugural Italian manager, guided Chelsea to their debut in the Champions League.
“One of the reasons for sure (I joined). I’m very proud to be an Italian manager here again. Probably there is something between Chelsea as a club, as a family, and Italian people that works well,” Maresca said.
“I think every manager has their idea or style. Mine is quite clear. The last year was very good but it’s already finished, now a new chapter. A new squad, a new club. Very happy to be here.”
In his debut league match leading the team, Maresca come up against champions Manchester City, a club where he previously served as an assistant to Pep Guardiola during their treble-winning campaign.
