Enzo Maresca Confident in Chelsea's Future

Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca expressed optimism about the club's potential to compete at the top of the Premier League as he prepares for his first match at Stamford Bridge against Manchester City. Maresca, who previously served as an assistant to City’s Pep Guardiola, emphasized that the key to closing the gap with dominant teams lies in time and continuity. He noted that clubs with long-standing managerial tenures have a significant advantage, stating, “For sure with time, we are going to close the gap.” As Chelsea gears up for the match, Maresca faces challenges, including the absence of captain Reece James due to injury. Additionally, midfielder Conor Gallagher, whose transfer to Atletico Madrid fell through, has been training separately and will not be available for selection. Maresca acknowledged the complexities of player movements during the summer transfer window, remarking that such situations are common across clubs, including Chelsea and their rivals. Despite these hurdles, Maresca remains confident in the team's progress, asserting that he can control the team's improvement. He expressed hope that Gallagher's situation would resolve positively for all parties involved, emphasizing the importance of harmony between the player, club, and management. As Chelsea embarks on this new chapter under Maresca, the focus remains on building a competitive squad capable of challenging for titles in the near future.