Chelsea Manager Enzo Maresca Addresses Player Personalities and Upcoming Brentford Match

Enzo Maresca, the Chelsea manager, addressed the media ahead of Sunday’s Premier League fixture against Brentford, scheduled for a 19:00 GMT kick-off. The following are the main points from his press conference: Maresca stated his preference to “likes to think day by day,” explaining this as the reason he avoids focusing on a potential title challenge. Regarding his past experiences of contending for a title, he remarked: “You can smell and feel it. This is probably the reason why I say we’re not ready because we don’t feel that in this moment. Hopefully soon we can be there.” Addressing the image circulating of Marc Cucurella’s boots in a bin following the Tottenham match, Maresca commented: “After the game I had a chat with the players and then on the way back to Cobham, I saw the picture! Because of the final result, it was quite a funny moment.” Maresca highlighted that Nicolas Jackson “did the most important thing in the game against Tottenham” by swiftly retrieving the ball after Cole Palmer scored the equalizer, while other teammates were celebrating. Maresca added that this action “showed the side of him that wants to win games.” Discussing Palmer’s calm demeanor, Maresca stated: “Many big players are that way. They almost look like they don’t care about anything, but for sure they care and being that way gives them freedom to relax. You don’t need to waste energy to convince him that he has to be a different way because he’s behaving the exact way he should. He loves football. He is one of the first out with the ball [in training].” He expressed feeling “quite lucky and proud” to collaborate with all the players at Chelsea. Regarding Enzo Fernandez, who has rejoined the squad and netted three goals in four Premier League appearances, Maresca remarked: “He can be a good example for the rest. The reason that he was left out was just a technical decision. Sometimes when you leave players out, you motivate them to give something extra.” Maresca described Brentford as “quite complicated” opponents due to their varied tactical approaches, adding: “We will need our fans behind us because I have a feeling it will be a very tough game. It could be a game decided on a tiny difference.” Maresca confirmed that “the idea is not to change” goalkeepers, notwithstanding fan criticism directed at Robert Sanchez.