Enzo Maresca’s time at Chelsea has already been far more successful than Mauricio Pochettino’s spell in charge, but now the Italian is exposing one major flaw his predecessor had.
Maresca has the full backing of the chiefs at Chelsea despite their poor spell at the start of the campaign, and back-to-back wins against Liverpool and Nottingham Forest have got them back on track in the Premier League.
The Blues are targeting a top four finish at a minimum again this season, a feat they were unable to manage when Pochettino was in charge of the club.
The Argentine was taking over a side who had just finished 12th in the league, and his sixth-placed finish was certainly seen as progress.
Brighton & Hove Albion v Chelsea FC - Premier League
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Mauricio Pochettino made huge mistake using Alfie Gilchrist instead of Josh Acheampong
However, things were not always perfect, and his decision to constantly look to Alfie Gilchrist as the academy star who he thought was ready to compete for the first team.
This came at the expense of Josh Acheampong, who was in the matchday squad on four occasions and made his debut off the bench in a win over Tottenham.
Gilchrist permanently left Chelsea this summer, and didn’t play a minute for the club after Pochettino’s departure.
The fact the academy graduate has made just one appearance in the Championship for new club West Brom suggests that he was not ready to be playing regularly for a side pushing towards the top end of the Premier League.
Acheampong however already looks at home at the back for the Blues, and while he would have only been 17, it is difficult to imagine that he would have been a worse option than Gilchrist at the time.
Enzo Maresca celebrates with Josh Acheampong in the tunnel after Chelsea beat Nottingham Forest in the Premier League.
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Chelsea said no to firm interest in Acheampong
After impressing through the academy, the young defender has emerged as a target for the top clubs in world football.
Manchester City were linked with Acheampong throughout the summer, but Chelsea made it clear they were not interested in parting ways with one of their top talents.
After signing a new contract a year ago, the England U21 international looks set to become another example of players who can go on to enjoy successful careers at the club after featuring for the youth sides.
Reece James should be the role model for Acheampong for defenders to make it at Stamford Bridge, with the club captain praising the youngster after his recent performance against Nottingham Forest.