Chelsea can go top of the league with a win against Everton this weekend, with Enzo Maresca full of praise for his players, naming them as the main reason for his success so far.
The Blues have scored the most goals in the Premier League and UEFA Conference League so far this season, and now target a positive end to the year domestically.
Maresca sees his success as a direct result of his squad's willingness to learn, and the positive environment that has been given to them by the club and his coaching staff, as he continues to build a winning mentality throughout the team.
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Opponents Everton boosted by new ownership
Chelsea will hope to carry on their winning streak in the league as they travel to Everton - who are currently undergoing massive changes behind the scenes.
The Toffees are coming to terms with a new ownership model, after the proposed £400m takeover by the American-owned Friedkin Group was accepted.
Head coach Sean Dyche met with the new owners and appeared positive, adding that they were fully supportive of him and his coaching staff.
Chelsea had a tough transition period when their ownership changed hands in 2022, but have since settled, with the new model finally beginning to bear fruit.
Maresca mentioned his relationships with the hierarchy at both Chelsea and Leicester had been positive, and hoped the same for Everton, as he said: "I don't know if the new owners for them can be good or bad. For sure, not bad, so it probably can be good.'
"When I met the owners here [Clearlake] I just try to be myself, to be honest with them and to be clear since the first meeting we had."
Everton have won five of their last six home games against Chelsea, whilst conceding only twice. As a result, Goodison Park has become an unhappy hunting ground for the Blues.
It is a fact that hasn't phased Maresca, who admitted he was unaware of his side's recent poor form at Goodison: "It's not something I knew, to be honest. Hopefully we can go there and beat them [Everton].'
"For sure it will be a tough game but we will try and prepare in the best way we can and the target is always the same.'
Everton's recent defensive record has been strong, with four clean sheets in their last five league games, and Maresca commended this, adding: "I think that Everton's stadium is not just tough for Chelsea, it's tough for any club."
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Blues top at Christmas?
A victory against Everton this weekend would move Chelsea to the top of the Premier League - albeit only for a few hours.
There is hope, however, as if Liverpool were to draw or lose their game against Tottenham, Enzo Maresca's side would remain top of the league through to Christmas Day - improving their title winning odds.
This does not guarantee the title will be heading back to London, however - Arsenal have led at Christmas for each of the previous two seasons, but were ultimately bested by Manchester City both times. Liverpool also have a game in hand over the Blues, after their match against Everton was called off.
When asked if his players would feel a pressure to win in order to reach the top, Maresca said: "No, I don't think so.'
"We try to focus on the game and not of the concern that we could be top for a few hours.'
"Since I started, we try to convince the players to be focused on the gameplan, how we can beat them and do the right things. No more than that."
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Maresca happy players 'share same vision'
Many wrote off Chelsea at the beginning of the season, citing Maresca's lack of top flight experience, or their bloated squad list, amongst other things.
Chelsea's head coach has proven several doubters wrong, and has been able to implement his philosophy quickly and effectively. A lot of this, he says, is thanks to the open-mindedness of the squad, and their willingness to listen to his ideas: "For sure, it's the players.'
"If they are not open-minded or don't understand what I require [from them] it's complicated.'
"It's important we all share the same vision, that sometimes is not easy."
A lot of Chelsea's reserve players have been given midweek opportunities in the Conference League, with several putting in strong performances to warrant a starting spot.
Chelsea will not play again in the Conference League until the knockout rounds in February, so we will likely see heavy squad rotation in order to keep everyone match fit.
While some will feel they deserve to play, Maresca will not be swayed in his judgement, as he said: "I'm not worried about the next three months and if the players are happy or not'
"We have many games and if they do the right things and work well then for sure they are going to have chances to play games.'
"Game by game we are going to try and choose the best eleven."
