Enzo Maresca appears to have won over plenty of Chelsea fans already with one of the comments he’s just made during his first press conference as the club’s head coach.
The pre-season schedule this summer under new Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca is certainly now underway.
Maresca, 44, spent a couple of weeks with the Blues players back at the training ground in England. During his first ever training session, Maresca was heard placing great emphasis on passing, in a video released by the club’s official X account.
Now, Chelsea’s travelling squad is out in the United States for a pre-season tour that includes five friendlies, starting with Wrexham on Thursday.
Chelsea fans love the Enzo Maresca detail on Reece James
Maresca made several interesting comments in his first press conference as Chelsea’s head coach, including one about Reece James.
In quotes published by Chelsea’s official website, Maresca shared he’s watched old footage of James, specifically when he played in midfield during a loan spell at Wigan Athletic earlier in his career.
James, now aged 24, has made a career out of being a superb right-back. He could be asked to play as an inverted full-back under the new management, though.
Many Chelsea supporters on social media absolutely love the attention to detail from Maresca to rewatch videos of James in midfield to see if he could do something similar for him.
Here are some fans on X praising the new coach:
One fan said: “Maresca went all the way back to Reece James Wigan days to see how he played in the midfield… Proper Gaffer.”
Another wrote: “Enzo Maresca said he even studied Reece James playing in the Midfield on loan at Wigan back in 2018. That’s what you call a Real Manager, he really watched clips of all of our players. I’m so excited.”
One supporter claimed: “I can see how he (Maresca) passed the interview process lol, he did a lot of homework.”
Another shared: “Enzo Maresca stated in his presser that he has watched Reece James’ loan spell at Wigan (when playing in midfield)… Maresca is a PERFECTIONIST. Exactly what Chelsea needs.”
Finally, one fan posted: “Maresca digging up the Wigan files. This man is invested.”
Could Reece James be a success in midfield?
Yes, would be our short answer. Any Chelsea fan who’s watched James’ performances in the last few years knows he’s a complete footballer on and off the ball.
The Englishman’s greatest obstacle right now is keeping himself fit, but we’ve got no doubt he could excel as an inverted right-back that drifts into central midfield positions.
When asked if he’s got any individual goals next season, James said his one aim is to be fit, as quoted by Nizaar Kinsella on X.
James has some experience of playing midfield in the 2018/19 season with Wigan. Of course, it will be a different kind of challenge adapting to the role in the top division, but nobody should doubt his quality.
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