“It’s not something you make in two days, this is not Playstation” - Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca responds to Carlo Ancelotti claim
Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has expressed his appreciation for Carlo Ancelotti’s encouraging words but feels it is too soon to determine whether his tenure at Chelsea will be a success or failure.
Real Madrid are set to face Chelsea in their final pre-season match in the United States (August 6), with the English side having experienced notable defeats. While the Blues had a comfortable win over Club America, their performances against Celtic and Manchester City have raised concerns over Maresca’s potential.
Ancelotti, who coached Maresca at Juventus, believes his former player has the knowledge to succeed and has backed him to do well. However, Ancelotti emphasized that Chelsea need to show patience with their new coach, something they have struggled with in the past.
"Experience is not the most important part of our job. It’s part of our job, but of course, the most important part is the knowledge. And the fact that he has experience with Pep Guardiola and with Leicester City, I think he has the knowledge to manage and to do well at Chelsea." (via Obi One Podcast)
“They have a good squad, good players, young. They have a young manager. They need to be a little bit patient, the owners, to take experience, to grow. But the signings that they have [made] are really good, " Ancelotti added. (via 90min)
Maresca has responded by stating that it’s too early to judge his success and that it will take time to fully implement his approach.
"No, you cannot think after two weeks, three weeks that it will all work. I appreciate Carlo’s words, I worked under him, his career is something unbelievable. It’s not something you make in two days, this is not Playstation.” (via Nizaar Kinsella on X)
Individual mistakes have undoubtedly contributed to Chelsea’s issues during pre-season. However, Maresca has noted that these errors are a natural part of the process and will ultimately help the team improve in the coming weeks.
The focus now will be on ending their tour of the United States on a high note against the European champions.
Enzo Maresca gives his verdict on possible Chelsea transfers
Chelsea have been active in the transfer market and continue to seek new additions. Conor Gallagher is on the brink of joining Atletico Madrid, while reports suggest the Blues are aiming to bolster their attack with the addition of Samu Omorodion.
When asked if Chelsea are prioritizing specific positions in their search, Maresca was somewhat cryptic but confirmed that he and the club are working closely to identify solutions.
“In this moment, we are trying different things in terms of one game we play with the right full-back inside, then the left full-back inside, and the last game we played with the left full-back higher," he said during the pre-match press conference.
"In terms of the number nine, we play with Guiu and Christoph [Nkunku]. In terms of the winger we played with [Tyrique] George, the young guy from the academy. We are trying different things. For sure, the club and me are together, we know what we need before we finish the transfer window," he added.
Following their match against Carlo Ancelotti’s Real Madrid, Chelsea will face Inter Milan at Stamford Bridge on August 11. They will then start their Premier League campaign at home against reigning champions Manchester City on Sunday, August 18.