Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca has commented on his new squad (Image: Getty)
Enzo Maresca says he was persuaded to join Chelsea because of the talent in the squad he is inheriting from Mauricio Pochettino. The Italian is set to welcome players to pre-season training over the coming weeks as he plots a hugely improved Premier League campaign.
Chelsea finished fifth in the top-flight under Pochettino last term, although that was largely down to an upturn in form in the final month of the season. The west Londoners have already made five signings in a bid to improve their ranks.
Tosin Adarabioyo, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Marc Guiu, Estevao Willian and Omari Kellyman have all arrived at Stamford Bridge, although Estevao’s switch from Palmeiras will not be formalised until he turns 18.
Maresca is pleased with his squad and insists his priority will be improving players, in a hint that there will not be many more incoming transfers.
“I’m very excited. One of the reasons I’m here is because I’m convinced the squad is very good and full of talent,” the 44-year-old told Chelsea’s official website.
“The most important thing now is we’re able to create the right culture that drives us for the season.
“I always say the same: if you are able to improve players then you are able to improve the team. So it’s our target to try to improve all of them day by day.”
Maresca says he has enjoyed his first week at Chelsea, meeting staff and players who are not playing in international tournaments this summer. His arrival from Leicester - where he won the Championship last season - was seen as a surprise and he will quickly need to prove he is ready for the step up.
He added: “I’m very happy and excited. It will be a fantastic journey and I’m excited to get started [with the players] as soon as possible.
Chelsea signed Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall in a £30m deal from Leicester (Image: Getty)
“It’s been quite busy and that’s normal at the beginning. That’s always the same.
“You are trying to get to know all of the people around the training ground and some of the players who are already in. But the feeling is fantastic.”
Maresca’s Leicester played an attacking and possession-dominated style of football. The new Chelsea boss suggested that he will continue to coach in the same way at Stamford Bridge.
“I think every manager has their own idea or style. Mine is quite clear,” he said. “Last year was very good but that is finished. It’s a new chapter, a new squad and a new club. I’m very happy to be here.”
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