I understand the idea to speak to Maresca came from Joe Shields, the co-director of recruitment and talent who had spent nine years at Manchester City in the youth system where he had worked with Maresca.

Speaking to multiple sources across the club during the past fortnight, there is a sense bubbling away that he [Enzo Maresca] could coach the team into the next decade.

A Senior Chelsea source: “The football philosophy and style of play, it’s been built so if any one person is hit by a bus you can continue and still be successful.

We don’t anticipate changing that. Enzo is at the right time of his career with the right people to be here a very long time.”

“He’s made players better. He’s an intensely hard worker. You look at why Pep’s successful.

He’s probably the hardest working coach in football even after all the success he’s had.”


✍️ Sam Cunningham | iNews