Enzo Maresca is a man very worried about complacency – and quite rightly so.
His team have done so well, and have had so much praise in recent weeks, that it would be a natural time to take their eye off the ball. After great wins over Aston Villa and Tottenham, a return to Stamford Bridge to face Brentford is a classic “trap game” that looks easy but could catch us out.
Our record against the Bees is terrible, as Maresca knows. His comments for the club website ahead of the game were very focused on making sure the fans appreciated the danger, as well as the player.
“As said after Tottenham, we will need our fans behind us because it will be a very tough game, one that can be decided by tiny details. We will need to pay attention,” the coach insisted.
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Enzo Maresca on the sidelines at London Stadium. (Photo by Henry Browne/Getty Images)
Enzo Maresca after Chelsea's win against Aston Villa (Photo by: Chris Lee - Chelsea FC)
Enzo Maresca applauds the home fans. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
“We will need our fans on Sunday because it will be a tough game, they are a very good team and know each other for many years. They know the game they will play and it will be a game decided by tiny details. We will need our fans pushing us until the final whistle because we need a 12th player to try to beat them.”
Enzo Maresca applauds the Chelsea fans at full time at St Mary's.
Enzo Maresca applauds the Chelsea fans at full time at St Mary’s.
Maresca’s relationship with fans growing stronger game by game
The fans were wary of Maresca’s appointment after so many years of chaos, but the last two games have seen a significant shift as the Italian has finally convinced them that he’s really got something about him. He was hailed by away fans after our last two wins, and we expect more warm treatment from the home crowd this evening.
As long as his team keep delivering, and can keep asking for vocal support and he will get it.