"In my small way at Chelsea I am trying to do the same" - Enzo Maresca claims he's trying to emulate 'spectacular' European rivals

Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has pointed to manager Luis Enrique’s accomplishments at Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) in the 2024-25 season as a source of inspiration. The Italian aims to replicate that success at Stamford Bridge. Maresca was appointed as Chelsea manager last summer after Mauricio Pochettino was dismissed.

In a roller coaster of a season for the Blues, Maresca guided them to their first trophy since 2021. They defeated Spanish side Real Betis 4-1 in the UEFA Conference League final on May 28, becoming the first team to win all major European club competitions.

In a recent interview with Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera, Enzo Maresca praised Luis Enrique for transforming PSG and hoped to do the same at Stamford Bridge. The Blues' manager said:

"The premise is that I don't want to give lessons to anyone. Having said that, the Champions League final photographed the dominance of a young team, capable of great technical plays expressed at an infernal pace, energy, running, pressing, offensive talent. Luis Enrique has built a spectacular PSG. In my own small way at Chelsea, I try to do the same."

Elsewhere, Luis Enrique took over the managerial reins at PSG in the summer of 2023, and under the Spaniard's guidance, the team have evolved in their general gameplay. In Enrique’s second season in charge of the club (2024-25), he led the French giants to their first-ever Champions League title and a historic quadruple.

“They had asked me for Champions League qualification in two seasons” – Enzo Maresca on if Chelsea achieved their objectives in the 2024-25 campaign

When Enzo Maresca was given the managerial job at Stamford Bridge, one of his tasks was to get the club back to the Champions League within his first two years in charge. However, the Italian was able to achieve it in his maiden campaign, as they finished in fourth position in the Premier League table (2024-25).

In the same interview, when asked if the Blues had achieved their objectives in the 2024-25 campaign, Maresca said:

"We are a year ahead of the Champions League qualification. They had asked me for it in two seasons. As for the Conference, it is natural that its appeal is less than the other cups, but as I said in the first meeting, if Chelsea had qualified for that one it means they deserved to play in that one. To win it, and we won it."

Maresca could win his second trophy as the Blues manager before the start of next season, as Chelsea will participate in the Club World Cup.