Enzo Maresca, Chelsea’s newly appointed manager, has made his intentions clear for the upcoming season. In an interview ahead of the team’s first pre-season friendly on US soil against Wrexham, he emphasized the importance of competing for trophies at a club as prestigious as Chelsea. “When you join a big club like Chelsea, you have to compete and try to win trophies” Maresca stated. “We want to compete. Hopefully, we can win trophies as soon as possible.”
Maresca expressed his confidence in Christopher Nkunku’s versatility on the field. “Nkunku can play everywhere. He’s doing very well already” he said. “He can play number 9, winger, attacking midfielder, he can play everywhere. I see football with players able to play in several positions. I want players to develop and play in several positions.”
🔵 Maresca: "I don't think there will be problems with Enzo Fernandez when he returns. There were no bad intentions, I spoke with Enzo. It's all clear now".
"It's all clarified by the player and the club, so that's it".
"Enzo has apologised, there's no problem at all". pic.twitter.com/39CtuBz2j7
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 24, 2024
Addressing the recent issues with Enzo Fernandez, Maresca was quick to dispel any concerns. “I don’t think there will be problems with Enzo Fernandez when he returns. There were no bad intentions, I spoke with Enzo. It’s all clear now. Enzo has apologized, there’s no problem at all.”
Regarding the captaincy for the upcoming season, Maresca confirmed his choice of Reece James to lead the team. “For sure, Reece James will be the captain” he stated. “I want him again to be one of the captains, one of the leaders. I like players that take responsibility.”
The decision to leave Trevoh Chalobah out of the US tour was also clarified by the Italian manager. “It’s always sad to leave a player out but I’m here to take decisions. We have Wes Fofana, Disasi, Tosin there. Also, we have Acheapong who’s doing fantastic.” Chelsea is reportedly ready to sell Chalobah for £30-35 million, citing sufficient depth in the center-back and right-back positions. Three Premier League clubs, along with several European teams, have already made initial contact regarding Chalobah.