Chelsea winger Jadon Sancho has insisted that he has felt the "aura" from Enzo Maresca since working with him at Stamford Bridge - also revealing what he wants him to do to keep his place in the squad.
Sancho was brought to the Blues from Manchester United on a loan, with an obligation to buy, this summer. While his time in the north west did not end like he would have hoped, the 24-year-old has found a home at Chelsea and has scored twice in his last two Premier League matches to mark a welcome return to form.
After the win over London rivals Tottenham Hotspur, Maresca told the media that Sancho will need to continue to perform or else he will be dropped from his starting XI. While the England forward admits that the Italian is a tough taskmaster, he believes the squad has bought into his methods.
"He's a very good coach and he understands players, but he's very hard on you if you don't do the right stuff," said Sancho in an interview with Sky Sports. "I feel like every player is buying into how he works, and are eager to learn.
"My first talk with him, I got a good feeling, a good impression and so I wanted to play under him. It was just like when I entered the room I felt his aura, his presence, especially when he's talking to you because he's played the game so he has a lot of experience.
"He can teach all the guys something, so I feel like it was good. He tells everybody to work hard every day - and I think if you don't work hard you don't play.
"I feel like every player understands how he wants us to work and again, personally, he's told me to just do what I usually do, go 1vs1, create space for others and just try to get into the right positions for us and to create scoring opportunities. He likes each player to play at least one or two positions - in case you're needed in those areas or if players are not available. He's very big on that."
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Chelsea flag prior the UEFA Champions League Quarter Final Leg One match between Chelsea FC and Real Madrid at Stamford Bridge. (Photo by Jose Breton/Pics Action/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
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