‘It’s a club that has to win’ – Enzo Maresca wants to bring a winning mentality to Chelsea

Enzo Maresca has promised to bring a winning mentality to Chelsea in his first interview since replacing Mauricio Pochettino over the summer.

The Italian head coach was appointed Pochettino’s successor after leading Leicester to the Championship title in his first season in charge.

Ex-Tottenham and PSG boss Pochettino oversaw a turbulent campaign at Stamford Bridge last season as the Blues managed a late charge to finish sixth in the Premier League and secure a Europa Conference League spot.

The 44-year-old’s first Premier League game in charge will see him take on his former employers Manchester City, where he was a part of Pep Guardiola’s coaching staff before joining Leicester at the start of last season.

Maresca is the fifth permanent manager in the past two seasons.

He told Chelsea’s website: “One of the reasons I’m here is because I’m convinced the squad is very good and full of talent. The most important thing now is we’re able to create the right culture that drives us for the season.

“I always say the same: ‘If you are able to improve players then you are able to improve the team.’ So it’s our target to try to improve all of them day by day.

“Every manager has their own idea or style. Mine is quite clear. Last year was very good but that is already finished. It’s a new chapter, a new squad and a new club. I’m very happy to be here.

“In this moment, when you join a club you try to analyse what the club and team needs to improve and do the right things.

“For me, it’s clear we need to create as soon as possible the right mentality and culture, a culture that the fans can be proud of. This is very important.

‘We are going to try to be an aggressive team on the ball and off the ball and we need to create this connection between the fans and the club, especially at home.”

The Blues last won the Premier League in 2017 and have finished outside of the top four in the two seasons under the ownership of Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital

However, under current ownership, they have spent north of £1billion on transfers – including completing the signings of Marc Guiu, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Omari Kellyman and Tosin Adarabioyo this summer.

Maresca added: “When you join a club like Chelsea, you know that it’s a club that has to win. So for us, we are going to try our best to be there, to fight and compete with the clubs that, in this moment, are winning and fighting to win titles.

“Just trust the process, trust the idea, be behind the team. For sure we are going to enjoy the journey. Like at every club, for every manager, it will not be easy because nothing is easy. But for sure we are going to enjoy our journey.’

Chelsea left-back Ben Chilwell has been linked as one of the options Manchester United are considering as they look for competition for Luke Shaw.

The 27-year-old former Leicester defender only played 13 times for Chelsea in the Premier League last season and has battled with injury problems during his time in west London.

Marc Cucurella cemented his spot in the side towards the end of last season.