December 3rd 2024.
Enzo Maresca stood confidently behind the podium, ready to address the media at the press conference. As the new manager of Chelsea, he was determined to showcase the potential of his team. He boldly declared that they were capable of dominating English football for the next five to ten years.
When Maresca took over from Mauricio Pochettino, he was faced with a crowded squad due to the club's extravagant spending. But he quickly got to work and formed a solid starting lineup. This strategy paid off as Chelsea now sits comfortably in the top four and is within reach of Premier League leaders Liverpool.
Despite their impressive performance, Maresca refused to entertain the idea that Chelsea would be title contenders in his first season in charge. However, he couldn't deny his satisfaction with the team's start and was confident that they would become a dominant force in English football in the years to come.
"I must say, our progress has exceeded my expectations in terms of both gameplay and results," Maresca shared with the press ahead of their upcoming match against Southampton. "Considering that we have only been working together for a short period of time, I am pleased with our direction and there is still room for improvement."
Chelsea has gone unbeaten in their last six matches in all competitions, a feat that Maresca takes pride in. He reiterated his belief that Chelsea's young and talented squad would continue to dominate English football for many years, regardless of who the manager may be.
However, Maresca's focus remained solely on their upcoming match against Southampton, rather than the end of the season or the next. "I still hold the same belief as when I first spoke to the owners and sporting directors. The youth and quality of this squad will make Chelsea a dominant team in the coming years," he stated.
When asked about Chelsea's absence from the title race this season despite their potential, Maresca calmly responded, "Arsenal has been in the race for the past two years, competing closely with Manchester City. However, we were far from City last season. It is a good pressure for me and the players to strive for, but it is not our current reality. But hopefully, we will be in that position soon."
As Chelsea prepares for their seventh unbeaten match, they will have to do it without Welsey Fofana, who sustained an injury during their previous match against Aston Villa. Maresca confirmed that the team was still awaiting updates on Fofana's condition, but he would be out for the next few weeks.
"Benoit Badiashile could be one of the solutions, but we also have Axel Disasi and other players who can fill in," Maresca explained. "Losing Wes is a significant blow as he has been performing exceptionally in every game, but we will find a way to overcome this obstacle."
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