Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca is taking a measured approach as he sets his sights on restoring the West London club to the Premier League’s top four. The Italian, appointed in June after guiding Leicester City to the English Championship title, is focusing on consistent improvement following a 12th-place finish in the 2022-23 season and a sixth-place finish in the previous campaign.
Chelsea currently sits eighth in the Premier League table with seven points from four matches, their only league loss coming against defending champions Manchester City. Despite the good start, Maresca remains grounded. “This is a good squad,” he said when asked about the possibility of a top-four finish. “But in the last two years, we have finished 12th and sixth. You need progress. The only way to reach some important targets is to be focused on game after game. I try to live every week and every day in the same way. Focus on things I can control. My focus is on training sessions and games.”
Chelsea continues to be without captain Reece James, who is sidelined with a hamstring injury. “We’re waiting for him to be fit. His injury’s a bit delayed, but the most important thing for him and any injury is that they come back when they’re 100% fit, so Reece is still out,” Maresca said. “We don’t have an idea at the moment (when he’ll be back). We hope we can find the right solution and have him back as soon as possible.” Fellow right-back Malo Gusto will also miss Saturday’s Premier League clash against 14th-placed West Ham United.
Maresca also addressed the growing concerns surrounding the expanded club fixture calendar, echoing sentiments expressed by Manchester City midfielder Rodri earlier this week about the potential for player burnout and even strike action. The increased number of games, fueled by the expansion of the Champions League and FIFA Club World Cup formats, alongside enlarged national team competitions, has put immense pressure on top teams and players.
“For me, it’s completely wrong with the amount of games that we have,” Maresca said. “But the only ones that can do something are the players, and we can help them. In the last two weeks, some of the players have tried to explain what they think, and I think it’s a good starting point. Some of them have said that (going on strike) could be an idea for them.”
