Leicester City’s right-back When Enzo Maresca is officially announced as Mauricio Pochettino’s replacement, Ricardo Pereira will share with Chelsea players what they can anticipate from the Italian.
Enzo Maresca made a huge impression during his year at Leicester City (Image: Plumb Images/Leicester City FC via Getty Images)
Ricardo Pereira, a defender for Leicester City, stated that new Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca is “the best coach I’ve had”. Maresca was named Leicester’s manager in June of last year as they attempted to return to the Premier League at the first attempt, having spent two stints with Man City before rejoining Parma in Italy.
Not only did he accomplish that, but he also led the Foxes to the league championship and kept them atop the Championship table for almost the whole season. As he immediately put his football philosophy into practice with his Leicester teammates, Pereira had to adjust to playing both central midfield and right back.
When Leicester had the ball, the Portuguese star would constantly enter midfield under Maresca instead of simply staying in his typical spot on the right side. The 30-year-old did a fantastic job in that role, helping the Foxes secure an instant return to the Premier League.
Harry Winks, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Abdul Fatawu, and Stephy Mavididi were among the other Leicester players who flourished under Maresca, in addition to Pereira. Based on his performance during his year at Leicester, Chelsea is expecting the 44-year-old to make an immediate impression at Stamford Bridge.
Maresca’s job is to lead the Blues back to the top of the Premier League standings and make a run for the championship at Stamford Bridge. Pereira has provided Chelsea players with some insight into what to anticipate from Maresca in the upcoming season, ahead of his arrival in west London.
Pereira remarked, “I like that he is direct,” in an interview with the Spanish newspaper Marca. “He speaks honestly and retains the mindset of a player. It’s crucial that he looks after the people who contribute the least.
“He is by far the best coach I have ever had in terms of tactics. Although his style of playing is intricate, his explanations make it seem simple. Everyone is aware of what needs to be done and what the others will do.
In August 2020, Maresca took over as manager of Man City’s Elite Development team before taking over as Parma’s manager. In June 2022, Maresca made a comeback to the Etihad Stadium and was appointed as one of Pep Guardiola’s assistant managers. It’s also evident how Guardiola’s influence from their time together at Man City has affected Maresca.
The Portuguese player clarified, “He has things like Pep [Guardiola].” “He wants to have possession; he looks to come out from behind…”
He went on, “I have played almost everything in my career. I adore difficulties. I play a lot inside these days. I enjoy playing as an almost defensive midfielder in attack because I get a lot of the ball and can move quickly with just one or two touches.”
