What's on the menu for Maresca

Image source, Getty Images

  • Author, Nizaar Kinsella
  • Role, 大象传媒 Sport football news reporter

Enzo Maresca's Chelsea are flying high while just two points behind top of the table Liverpool in the Premier League and the club is enjoying a rare moment of peace.

From chaotic transfer policy to disappointing results, change of manager and the fallout of a rift between the two most influential owners at Stamford Bridge, it has been a wild six months for the west Londoners.

However, they are finally settling into their groove with a squad of still young players, who appear to be adapting to each other and to English football as a whole.

Maresca has also bedded in his tactical approach faster than anyone would have imagined.

The talk is no longer about Chelsea being a basket case but about what they can achieve under this Boehly-Clearlake consortium - arguably for the first time in their more than two years of ownership.

There remain lingering questions about the size of the squad that forces the Italian manager into ruthless decisions but results are positive as the club's Conference League campaign starts against KAA Gent on Thursday at Stamford Bridge.

At Wednesday's news conference, Maresca will likely be asked about:

  • Whether he will change 10 or 11 players for the third match running
  • Where was Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall against Brighton?
  • How Reece James's recovery is coming along
  • Whether this competition represents the easiest route to silverware