Enzo Maresca has just taken his press conference following Chelsea’s win over Aston Villa at Stamford Bridge, and as you’d expect he was ultra positive.
The coach was asked to comment on Moises Caicedo, after the midfielder put in a real shift as a sort of hybrid midfielder/defender, accommodating Enzo Fernandez in the middle.
“We are always looking for balance on and off the ball. Enzo did fantastic today once again. Moises, again. Today’s game is very difficult to find one of them who was not good. They were all good and that was important.”
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Enzo Fernandez celebrates his goal at Stamford Bridge.
Enzo Maresca shouts at his players at Stamford Bridge. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images)
Enzo hits a shot with the outside of his foot.
Caicedo has been one of the league’s best central midfielders all year, today he was even more useful to the team, doing what Malo Gusto and Marc Cucurella have been doing but in reverse – playing in central midfield and then dropping to full back, rather than being a full back who advances into midfield.
Enzo Maresca after Chelsea's win against Aston Villa (Photo by: Chris Lee - Chelsea FC)
Enzo Maresca after Chelsea’s win against Aston Villa (Photo by: Chris Lee – Chelsea FC)
Maresca holds strong on title denial
For all that he was willing to praise Caicedo, and Enzo Fernandez, and Malo Gusto, there is one thing Maresca still isn’t willing to do – admit Chelsea are in the title race. He denied it earlier this week, and did so again today:
“I do not agree with [the idea Chelsea are in the title race]. We are not ready to compete with Liverpool, Arsenal and City for many reasons. Because we win today, I am not going to change my idea. We are not ready for that,” the coach insisted.
“The good thing is we are improving. Soon, hopefully we can be there.”
It’s only natural of course – he doesn’t want to raise expectations any more than necessary, and knows that a lot can go wrong between now and May. But still – if we get any closer to the top, it’s going to start sounding silly…