New Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca stressed the need to address the culture at the club following a tumultuous two years in which the team had failed to challenge at the top of the Premier League.
Chelsea finished sixth last season and this led to the departure of Mauricio Pochettino. The Argentine left by mutual consent having failed to reach agreement with the club’s hierarchy over the scope of his responsibility for football matters at Stamford Bridge.
In his first interview since being appointed to replace Mauricio Pochettino, Enzo Maresca said it was “clear” that there is work to be done to rebuild the connection between the club and their supporters as he seeks to install a “winning mentality” in a side which has finished 12th and sixth in its last two campaigns.
“When you join a club you try to analyse what the club and the team needs to improve, to do the right things,” the 44-year-old told the club’s official website.
“For me, it’s quite clear we need to create as soon as possible the right mentality, the right culture. A culture that the fan can be proud of the team.
“We’re going to try to be an aggressive team on the ball and off the ball. We need to create this connection between the fans and the club, especially at home.
“When you have your own fans behind the team, pushing, it’s like playing with 12 players. That’s what we have to create here.”
Enzo Maresca also revealed that his Chelsea team will challenge for titles.
Chelsea Head Coach Enzo Maresca Visits the stadium at Stamford Bridge on July 8, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images)
“When you join a club like Chelsea, you have to know it’s a club that has to win,” said Maresca. “For us, we’re going to try to do our best to be there, to fight and to compete with the clubs that in this moment are winning and fighting to win titles.
“One of the reasons I’m here is because I’m convinced that the squad is very good. It’s full of talent, so the most important thing now is that we are able to create the right culture to drive us through the season.
“If you are able to improve players, that means you improve the team. So it’s our target to try and improve all of them day by day.
“I think every manager has their own idea or style. Mine is quite clear. The last year was very good but it’s already finished, now a new chapter. A new squad, a new club. Very happy to be here.”
