"He and his staff are very good " - Chelsea star Marc Cucurella speaks up on Enzo Maresca's impact following fine start to the season
Chelsea full-back Marc Cucurella has spoken about manager Enzo Maresca's impact at Stamford Bridge, following their fine start to the season. The Blues currently sit firmly in the Premier League title race in third place, just nine points behind league leaders Liverpool.
Much of this has been thanks to Maresca's leadership. The club signed him on as their new manager after letting go of Mauricio Pochettino in the summer. He was coming off of a successful season, having led Leicester City on their return to Premier League football.
Since Maresca took up the reins at Stamford Bridge, Chelsea have lost just two Premier League games. Alongside their ongoing chase for the league title, they are also widely seen as the favorites to win the Europa Conference League.
Following their 2-1 league win over Leicester City at the King Power Stadium on November 23, Marc Cucurella spoke about how important Maresca has been to the club. In an interview with London World, he said:
“He works really well and puts a lot of energy into it. He prepares the games very well, and I think he gives us ideas on how to play every weekend. We have things to do every weekend to surprise our rivals, I think. He and his staff are very good, and if we keep going this way, we have the talent. So we need to stay at this level.”
Indeed, the Blues will have to keep up their run of form if they are to end the season on a bright note. While it might be too soon to salivate at the prospect of the Premier League title, finishing in top four would be an improvement from last season, when they finished sixth.
Maresca pleased with Chelsea output against Leicester
Enzo Maresca was pleased with Chelsea's performance against his former team Leicester City, as the Blues clinched a 2-1 win away from home. An early goal from Nicolas Jackson put them in the lead (15'), as they sought domination throughout the game.
An hour later, Enzo Fernandez scored the Blues' second goal of the game (75'), which looked to seal the win. However, things might have turned upside-down after Jordan Ayew scored from the penalty spot in stoppage time (90+5') to make it 2-1. Chelsea kept their wits about them, though, keeping all three points.
After the game, Enzo Maresca spoke about the win, telling the press (via football.london):
"Yeah. All of the games are important and today has been important to win the game. But in the same way as it has been in the past when we have won some games."
With little time to revel in the win, Maresca will have to turn towards their next engagement this midweek. Chelsea will travel to Germany for their Conference League match against Heidenheim on November 28 at Voith-Arena.