'I think he's amazing.' That was Levi Colwill's response when asked for his thoughts on Enzo Maresca and it's clear there is mutual respect and a strong relationship between the defender and the head coach.
The esteem with which Colwill holds Maresca appears to be reciprocated, with the Academy graduate an almost ever-present in the Premier League this season and having been name-checked earlier in the campaign by the Italian for his growing leadership qualities.
Colwill's praise for Maresca was delivered at today's pre-match press conference at Cobham, which was held ahead of our Conference League last-16 second leg against Copenhagen.
We welcome our Danish counterparts to Stamford Bridge with a 2-1 advantage – thanks to goals from Reece James and Enzo Fernandez at Parken Stadium – to maintain and build upon.
And in the build-up to the game, Colwill outlined how much he has enjoyed working under Maresca and what he has learned under the Chelsea head coach.
‘I’ve enjoyed playing under him and I know everyone in the changing room does too,' said the England international. 'And over time you’ll see us getting better and better because of him. I’m always going to back the coach because I love how he wants us to play football. I love the ideas he has. I think he’s amazing.'
Levi has enjoyed how much the Italian has pushed the squad to continue to improve, and pointed particularly to his character in and around the pitch as key to supporting his message.
‘The ideas he brings in training to help us break teams down is all down to him,’ Colwill continued. ‘When we’re playing well and playing through other teams, of course, it’s partly down to us, but he sets us up correctly to look good on the pitch and score goals.
‘I think in all the games where we have played amazingly this season, it has been down to him. Of course, we have amazing players who will help us pull off what he wants. But at the end of the day, it comes down to him.
‘As a manager and as a person he is top and he pushes us every day. He’s serious at times and he can also be a joker, so he’s got a great balance. And you don’t want to get on the wrong side of him!’
Having been utilised in different positions in our backline last season, Colwill has appreciated the consistency awarded to him by the head coach, with his central defensive role enabling him to showcase his range of passing.
He said: ‘I think the gaffer knows what sort of player I am and he puts me in a position where I can shine.
‘I think those passes come naturally when I have top players like Enzo and Cole – the ones that play in the pockets in front of me – who understand the space in front of them and make it easier for me to find them. I think it’s really down to them boys.’
Focusing on the game, Levi does not underestimate the challenge posed by Copenhagen, especially having endured a tough 45 minutes in the Danish capital last week.
He added: ‘The players that Copenhagen have are really good players and as a team they perform to their best. Going up against them in the first leg, we were all mentally prepared knowing it would be a really tough game - like a Premier League game. Coming against them for this second leg, that’s our same mentality.
‘I think speaking with the players we’ve taken every game seriously. I wouldn’t say any game is easy. Playing away, we won 2-1, but back at home we’ll have our fans with us, and of course, we’re going to want to score as many goals as possible.’
Make sure to secure your spot at Stamford Bridge as the Blues bid to reach the UEFA Conference League quarter-finals. Tickets remain on sale for season ticket holders and members in addition to Westview seats being on general sale. Buy yours now byclicking here.