Marc Cucurella reborn, Jadon Sancho restored
Thinking back to how Chelsea’s home games made for nervy watching in the not-so-distant past, these words are a breath of fresh air. And the belief he has transmitted to the players is showing in the rejuvenated performances of some players who appeared to either be disinterested or wanting in ability. The Cucurella who looked so out of his depth last season now looks more like the Brighton Hove & Albion left-back Chelsea forked out £62 million for. He’s playing well and linking up to devastating effect with Sancho on the left flank, another player just starting to rediscover his form. Enzo Fernandez, currently captaining the squad in the absence of the injured Reece James, is now a marauding lion in midfield.
Rivals gushing with praise
After proving his naysayers (including this shamefaced writer) wrong, Maresca is winning over Chelsea’s rivals. Former Manchester United full-back Gary Neville weary from crying about his club’s persistent woes, is now calling on new Red Devils head coach Reuben Amorim to copy Enzo Maresca. He urged Amorim to pick a starting eleven and stick with it like Maresca has done, instead of chopping and changing the squad every other game. I hope the Portuguese, or any other rival manager won’t pay attention to Neville’s advice. Let Maresca continue quietly surprising them, and all doubters, on the pitch. Let the man cook.