Enzo Maresca addressed the media as he prepares for his first match in charge as Head Coach for The Blues. He spoke to the media for the first time since arriving as the side prepare to face the first opponents, Wrexham, of their pre-season tour.
Chelsea fans have had a turbulent time since the sanctions in 2022 with disappointing results, controversy, takeovers and many managers.
Fans were left bewildered when Mauricio Pochettino left the club at the end of last season. The appointment of the now former Leicester manager has them eager to see what Maresca has to offer as they look to have a more successful campaign this season.
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Connection with the fans
Stepping into the Head Coach role also means getting the large fanbase on your side and the new gaffer acknowledged the importance of getting the connection with the fans, including the international ones.
"It is always important to have a connection with the fans. The fans in the US, the fans in England, the fans anywhere.
We have not had the chance to visit the city because we arrived very late [last night] and we had a session this afternoon. [But] it is always nice to share time with our fans abroad, not only in England."
The manager touched on his previous experiences in San Francisco: "As a player or a manager, I have been here many times and it is always a pleasure."
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Recent controversy
One of those controversies followed Enzo Fernandez following his recent Copa America win with Argentina. The manager briefly commented on it.
"It’s great in terms of the player did a statement, apologised, and the club did the same. I don’t think there is something to add in terms of the situation is already clear.
They are human beings. I don’t think there is any bad intentions from any one of them. I don’t think when Enzo [Fernandez] is back that we will have any kind of problems. As I said, the player already clarified the situation, the club did the same so there is nothing to add and I don’t think they are a bad person or human being so it can happen but I don’t think it’s a problem at all."
The Argentine is due to join his teammates on the 29th July.
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Captain qualities
The Italian confirmed that Reece James will be taking the captains armband again:
"James will be one of the captains. He has already been in the past and I want him again [as captain]. One of the captains, one of the leaders of this team.
‘To be honest, I like players that take responsibility. I like players that, all of them, try to be leader or captain but I feel it is important for them all to feel this responsibility."
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Squad decisions
Fans have noticed Trevoh Chalobah has been left out of the squad that has travelled to the USA. Reports that the defender is being ‘pushed out’ of the club have been circling.
Maresca sympathised with the player: "from my point of view, it’s always sad to leave players out of pre-season, the squad or first 11 because they work everyday all for the same reason - to be part of the team.’
‘With Wes Fofana, Disasi, Tosin there. Also, we have Acheampong who's doing fantastic."
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A new playing style
The first training session took place earlier in the day with those watching on noticing the new style of Maresca being applied.
He opened up about his tactics: "My philosophy is quite clear. We try to dominate the game, we try to keep the ball as much as we can. It is difficult and it is not easy but overall the idea is to be aggressive on the ball and off the ball."
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Growth of Football
The push for football in America is clear with the USA having just hosted the Copa America and preparing to co-host the 2026 World Cup. More funding and exposure is being focused on the MLS and encouraging younger generations to consider the sport.
Recent years have seen many big talents move over to the MLS such as Lionel Messi, Hugo Lloris, Olivier Giroud and Luis Suarez just to name a few.
The 44-year-old commented on the impact: "The MLS is improving a lot and growing a lot. Probably thanks to players like Lionel Messi that are here. We try to do our best when we come here to play games and hopefully, we can help US football to improve and to grow."
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Winning ways
The new gaffer had a successful first season at Leicester City as he guided the Foxes to the Championship title.
It is clear his thirst for silverware isn’t going anywhere as he made his intentions clear for The Blues: "I am here for the same targets [as the club]. When you join a club like Chelsea - one of the biggest and best clubs in the world – you have to try to win trophies or at least compete."
He continued: "So our target will be to try to compete and achieve something now. When that happens? I don’t know but hopefully it will be as soon as possible."
