Former Chelsea star Gianfranco Zola expressed optimism about the club's direction under Italian manager Enzo Maresca, particularly as they currently hold fourth place in the Premier League after seven matches. Zola, who enjoyed a successful spell at Chelsea from 1996 to 2003, winning multiple trophies, believes Maresca has the potential to thrive at Stamford Bridge, though he acknowledges that securing silverware will be increasingly challenging in today’s competitive landscape.
Zola humorously remarked on the pressure Maresca faces to deliver trophies, noting that previous managers benefited from stronger squads. While he recognizes that Maresca has a talented but youthful team, he emphasizes the need for development and growth. "So far, he's doing very well, and I really wish he can do that," Zola stated, highlighting the difficulty of competing against other top teams in England.
As the seventh Italian manager in Chelsea's history, Maresca follows a turbulent period marked by frequent managerial changes and a significant player turnover since the club's acquisition by the Todd Boehly-Clearlake consortium in 2022. With five different managers and over 30 new signings in a short span, the club has faced considerable upheaval. Nevertheless, Zola remains hopeful about Maresca’s leadership, citing a clear structure and positive developments within the team.
Zola noted that he sees promising signs on the pitch under Maresca’s guidance, suggesting that the team is starting to establish a coherent style of play. "I like it. As a coach, I see something on the pitch," he commented. With Chelsea unbeaten in the league since their opening match against Manchester City, they are set to face Liverpool away this Sunday, a crucial test for Maresca's squad as they continue their pursuit of success.
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