Maresca's ruthless mentality clear in early warning as he lines up Chelsea job

30 May 2024 , 11:00

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Enzo Maresca had high demands of his Manchester City youth team (Image: Getty Images)

Chelsea's players will have to give their all if they want to play for Enzo Maresca, according to a former player of his.

The 44-year-old, who is on the brink of taking charge at Stamford Bridge, began his coaching journey in 2017 after hanging up his boots in Italy. His first senior managerial stint with Serie B side Parma didn't go as planned, leaving after just six months.

However, he enjoyed more success at Manchester City, where he'd led their Under-23s to the Premier League 2 title in 2021 beforehand. Wolves midfielder Tommy Doyle featured in that triumphant team.

And he shared a valuable insight into Maresca's rigorous standards, reports Football.London. "If you take the foot off the gas and think you've cracked it, he'll put you on the bench," Doyle said after they'd lifted the trophy.

"Every player now in training or games has given 110 per cent because your spot isn't guaranteed. I know we've got to go out and implement the new tactics but what Enzo's told us to do and how the games have planned out is everything that he's said."

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Mauricio Pochettino's recent departure after just a season shows just how tough a challenge Maresca faces at Chelsea. But if Doyle's comments are anything to go by, he's got the approach needed to tackle it.

"I've been with the U23s for a few years and I've seen the different styles and coaches," Doyle explained. "It wasn't based on winning, it was about playing nice football, which is nice but you want to win. Soon as Enzo came in he said 'listen, we're going to win this league'. When a coach says that, you start to believe as players.

Tommy Doyle was previously at Manchester City and has since joined Wolves (Naomi Baker/Getty Images)

"Sometimes when you want to win as a player and your coach is saying different things and not really focused on winning, you get off track. He came and said we want to win, it's easier said than done but when you tell yourself that you have a very good chance with the ability we have as players."

Maresca is expected to put pen to paper on a five-year contract with the Blues imminently ahead of what is expected to be another busy summer transfer window for them, with multiple signings and exits already in the pipeline.

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Dan Burnham