Chelsea legend Gianfranco Zola has praised Enzo Maresca’s start to life at the club, but warned the Italian he faces a tough task.
Maresca was appointed as a surprise successor to Mauricio Pochettino this summer after guiding Leciester City to the Championship title last season.
The Blues have taken a gamble but clearly believe the 44-year-old is the right man as they offered him a five year contract.
Zola warns Maresca he faces a tough task
Maresca may only have one year of top level managerial experience behind him, but that doesn’t appear to have been a problem and he’s made a very good start to life at Stamford Bridge.
The Blues currently sit fourth with 14 points from a possible 21 and haven’t lost since the opening day of the season against Manchester City, with Maresca named Premier League manager of the Month for September.
The Italian recently opened up on why he had no doubts about taking the Chelsea job and Zola, who knows a thing or two about success at Stamford Bridge has praised Maresca for his start but did have a few words of warning.
“So far, he’s doing very well, and I really wish he can do that,” he told reporters at The Summit as cited on X.com.
“He will have a tough task because of the competition in England, everybody knows it is so strong. But again, I like what he’s doing, and he’s got a chance.
“I see a structure in place. The team is working on something that is good. I like it. As a coach, I see something on the pitch. Now there is a lot of work (to do) because obviously, the competition level is quite high.”
It’s certainly been an impressive start by Maresca, helped by Cole Palmer, who Zola admitted was the player who had surprised him most.
Maresca now faces a real test of his credentials starting with Sunday’s trip to Anfield, before league games against Newcastle, Manchester United and Arsenal.
