Despite Chelsea’s remarkable ascent to fourth place in the Premier League, manager Enzo Maresca remains cautious about the team’s prospects for major silverware this season. The Italian tactician, who has guided the Blues to seven victories in ten matches while orchestrating an impressive 27-goal scoring spree, maintains a pragmatic outlook on their title chances.
In a candid assessment following Chelsea’s 4-2 triumph over Gent in the Europa Conference League, Maresca stated plainly, “I really don’t think we can compete with City or Arsenal.” This measured stance comes even as Chelsea sit just two points behind Premier League leaders Liverpool, highlighting Maresca’s commitment to managing expectations during his debut season.
Enzo Maresca Emphasized Building Identity and Confidence
The Chelsea manager emphasizes the importance of developing a distinct playing style over chasing immediate success. “When you win games, it provides energy, trust, confidence,” Maresca explained, underlining how recent victories have bolstered the team’s morale and cohesion.
Maresca takes particular pride in the team’s evolving identity, noting that the players themselves recognize their improving performances. “The results are helping us, but I think they are especially convinced because they can see the identity and the purpose we have every game,” he elaborated, suggesting that this foundational development is more crucial than short-term achievements.
Enzo Maresca Praised His Players for Adaptability And Tactical Flexibility
Chelsea’s tactical versatility was on full display in their recent European encounter, with Renato Veiga emerging as a surprising goalscorer. Enzo Maresca praised the player’s adaptability, noting his successful transition to an attacking midfield role: “You never imagine Renato arrive in the box and score with a header from a cross on the other side.”
The manager highlighted Veiga’s versatility, recounting his effective performances in various positions throughout the season. From serving as a holding midfielder against Bournemouth to filling in as a full-back against Brighton, Veiga’s adaptability has proven invaluable to Chelsea’s tactical flexibility.
Squad Updates and Injury News
As Chelsea prepare to face Nottingham Forest, the team faces some personnel challenges. Carney Chukwuemeka, who had recently returned to action against Barrow, was unexpectedly withdrawn from the Gent match due to illness. The midfielder’s availability for the Forest fixture remains uncertain pending medical assessment.
Reece James continues to be sidelined with injury, representing the only confirmed absence for the upcoming match. Despite these setbacks, Maresca maintains an optimistic outlook, emphasizing that the rest of the squad is available for selection against Nuno Espirito Santo’s side.
Player Spotlight: Dewsbury-Hall and Nkunku Make Their Mark
Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has offered insight into Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall’s adaptation to life at a big club. “I know Kiernan very well. I know when you are the main player and then move to a big club it’s not easy… you’re not the main player,” Maresca explained, acknowledging the challenges of such a transition. The manager expressed his satisfaction with Dewsbury-Hall’s progress, stating, “Sometimes you struggle a bit at the beginning so I was very happy for him.”
Meanwhile, Christopher Nkunku has been making waves despite limited appearances in Maresca’s lineup. The French forward has impressively netted 7 goals this season, catching the attention of national team manager Didier Deschamps. His clinical finishing has earned him a call-up to the French national team for their upcoming fixtures, underlining his impact at Chelsea despite not being a regular starter.
Momentum Building for Forest Clash
The Blues approach their Premier League encounter with Nottingham Forest riding a wave of confidence following an impressive string of results. Their recent 4-2 victory over Gent adds to a collection of convincing performances, including wins against Brighton, Barrow, West Ham, and Bournemouth over the past month.
Italian midfielder Cesare Casadei has been particularly impressive, earning praise for his commanding presence in midfield during the Gent match. His ability to dictate play and initiate attacks with precise passing has not gone unnoticed by Maresca, who continues to nurture the development of his compatriot in the deeper midfield role.
