Chelsea are not in great form in the league, and a little European trip will hopefully do them good.
They’ve got to take on Atalanta tonight, knowing that a win puts them in a great position in the League Phase, but also that a defeat puts them in real trouble with just 2 games to go after tonight.
Maresca on his “love” for tonight’s opposition”
Enzo Maresca appeals on the touchline.
Enzo Maresca appeals on the touchline. (Photo by Warren Little/Getty Images)
Manager Enzo Maresca spoke about the team from his home country and explained how much he was a fan of them:
“I am in love with this club. The reason why is because watching it from far away, Atalanta it is a matter of pride for all us Italians, so I want to congratulate the whole club, the directors, who were trying to get the best out of [former manager Gian Piero] Gasperini when he was here.
“For us as Italians, from a football perspective, we didn’t have many reasons for pride [in recent years] and Atalanta was one of the few reasons for us to be proud. It proves what a great job they have done over the years.”
It’s a great show of respect from the Chelsea boss, and he’s not wrong. The attacking football played by the team from Bergamo has been widely admired, as has their ability to buy talented players and build a great squad on a budget.
In other Atalanta news…
Winger Alejandro Garnacho stepped up to do the press conference alongside Maresca, and he discussed why tonight was such an important game for the Blues.
Garnacho also spoke a little about coming to Chelsea and what Maresca has told him to do to make sure he gets in the team. Those qualities are likely to be on full display tonight as we look to secure a huge 3 points against a dangerous team.
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