“If the gaffer needs me to play in goal I’ll do it” - Chelsea star expresses faith in Enzo Maresca with emphatic claim despite pre-season struggles
Chelsea defender Lewi Colwill has rallied behind new manager Enzo Maresca as the club struggle to put up decent results in their pre-season. The west London side have lost both their friendly matches so far ahead of the new term.
Colwill also admitted that Chelsea players have failed to adapt to Maresca's style of play so far but expects them to come around eventually. Speaking to the media, he claimed that the players were confident in the new manager's style. He said (via TheChelseaChronicle):
"There have been mistakes [adapting to Enzo Maresca's style], but that's what pre-season is for. We are building and with a whole difference approach. It's exciting. I played left-back a lot last season and am willing to play anywhere to help the team.
"If the gaffer needs me to play in goal I'll do it! I wouldn't say it's been a heavy pre-season. None of us are complaining. We want to be in the best form, and confident in the style of play. They have such good staff behind the gaffer and have been working with us individually and as units."
Chelsea drew their first pre-season game against Wrexham 2-2, with Colwill notably getting into a fight with James McClean in the opening minutes. They then lost 4-1 to Celtic in their second pre-season match. The Blues will next face Club America on Wednesday, July 31.
Chelsea defender on Lewi Colwill on Enzo Fernandez's racism row
Lewi Colwill claimed that Chelsea players had accepted midfielder Enzo Fernandez's apology after the Argentina international was caught on video singing vile, racist chants aimed at French players.
He said (via GOAL):
"We are a team. We move forward together. Everything that happens stays between us and we are really excited ahead of the new season."
Enzo Maresca also commented on the situation, saying:
"To be honest, we all feel very comfortable. Enzo is back, he had a chat with all of us to clarify there were not any bad intentions. The lads all accepted. Since last night, everything was like before; they were together, all laughing - normal situation. The meeting was between Enzo, some of his mates, Wesley was there. They spoke with each other. It is normal sometimes the first reaction is not good."
Chelsea face Manchester City twice in the next two weeks. They will first face off in a pre-season clash on Saturday, August 3, before facing Pep Guardiola's side in their Premier League season opener on Sunday, August 18.