Former Chelsea player Craig Burley has praised Enzo Maresca for showing “what a good manager he actually is” following their start to the season.
The Blues have exceeded expectations and currently find themselves second in the league, two points behind leaders Liverpool and four ahead of third placed Arsenal.
Sunday’s win against Brentford made it five league wins in a row and seven in all competitions, and the Blues have now found themselves in the title conversation.
Burley praises Maresca
Maresca has played down Chelsea being title contenders on numerous occasions this season, whilst Enzo Fernandez has stated the Blues are keen to avoid unrealistic expectations.
The appointment of Maresca was met with a mixed reception in the summer and many tipped him to struggle at Chelsea given the mess the club was seemingly in, coupled with his lack of experience.
However, the 44-year-old has come in and stamped his authority quickly, whilst he’s managed to implement a clear identity and style of play in a short space of time.
Enzo Maresca celebrates on the touchline. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
Maresca has made a brilliant start to life at Chelsea. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
Maresca has admitted himself that Chelsea are ahead of his expectations at this moment in time and they remain firmly on course to qualify for the Champions League.
The Italian has really impressed with his tactics, squad management and the way he speaks in the media, and former Blue Burley can’t believe the position Chelsea find themselves in.
“If they said to me at the start of the season, this is where it’s going to be, you’re absolutely bonkers, there is no hope in hell in manoeuvring this Chelsea team, with a chance to at least challenge,” he told ESPN as cited on X.com.
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A Chelsea flag flies at Wembley. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
A generic interior view of Stamford Bridge. (Photo by Richard Pelham/Getty Images)
A group of Chelsea players celebrate by the corner flag at Stamford Bridge. (Image: Chris Lee - Chelsea FC)
“So I think pretty much we’ve all been wrong, and that’s down to the fact this manager has shown actually, what a good manager he is.”
Chelsea have a chance to momentarily go top of the table if they beat Everton on Sunday afternoon with Liverpool kicking off after the Blues have played, which would be the first time that’s happened under the new ownership.