Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca has overseen a good start to life at the club(Image: Getty Images)

What Chelsea players really think of Enzo Maresca as Noni Madueke gives Cole Palmer verdict

Latest Chelsea news as football.london delivers the latest rumours and gossip from Stamford Bridge

10 Oct 2024, 03:00 by Kieran King · football.london

Chelsea have started the season in fine fashion, despite Sunday's 1-1 draw against Nottingham Forest. They had won each of their previous five matches - including three successive victories in the Premier League - but were held at Stamford Bridge in their final game before the international break.

The Blues remain fourth, however, and are four points behind leaders Liverpool, who have won six out of their first seven league matches. Enzo Maresca's side now have a two-week break between matches, although a fair number of their players will play during the October international break.

Noni Madueke, Levi Colwill and Cole Palmer are Chelsea's three England representatives, with the Three Lions taking on Greece at Wembley on Thursday. Here is the latest news from the Blues.

What players think of Maresca

Enzo Maresca has had a positive impact on the Chelsea players from both a tactical perspective and in terms of his man-management, according to Fabrizio Romano. The Blues have won seven of their opening 11 matches across all competitions, losing just twice. They sit fourth in the Premier League table going into the international break.

"It's been a really strong start to the season for Chelsea and I think Enzo Maresca deserves credit after his arrival this summer in what was not the easiest moment," Romano told CaughtOffside.

"Mauricio Pochettino had also done well towards the end of last season, but the club decided to go in a different direction, though it now looks like it’s proved to be a smart call, even on an inexperienced name in his first Premier League job.

"I’m told that Maresca is having a very good impact on these players on the tactical point of view, and also the results of that have clearly been good. But most important part is the feeling he created with the players; they’re all very happy with Maresca, how direct and clear he is, also the fans are appreciating that and you can feel a different atmosphere at Stamford Bridge this season."

FL says: Having seen the impact Enzo Maresca had at Leicester last season, I am not surprised that he has the full support of the Chelsea players over his philosophy and ideas.

The Italian can bring the feel-good factor back to Stamford Bridge and I have a feeling that the Blues could be a title contender under Maresca, whether it be this season or in the coming years.

Madueke on Palmer

Noni Madueke has hailed Cole Palmer and believes his Chelsea teammate can achieve whatever he would like during his career. The former Manchester City midfielder enjoyed a superb debut season at Stamford Bridge and has continued where he left off, scoring six goals and adding five assists in seven matches this season.

Madueke said: "I think the sky’s the limit for him. I don’t know if he has a ceiling, I don’t know what his ceiling is. But I feel like the form that he’s showing now is incredible. And I just hope he can continue that."

FL says: I agree with Madueke, he has the potential to be the best player in the world, if he isn't already. The 22-year-old can get even better in the coming years and that is a scary prospect.

Palmer is under contract until 2033, too, meaning by the end of his deal he will be at the Blues for a decade. If he continues how he is going, Palmer can write his name into Chelsea folklore, that is for sure.

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