Recently, Chelsea has applied a long-term contract policy with top young talents around the world. After Thomas Tuchel, Graham Potter and Mauricio Pochettino, Enzo Maresca is the fourth Blues manager to hold that responsibility. However, none of Maresca's predecessors have had enough time to turn those expensive signings into a real collective.
Tuchel was sacked within four months of Todd Boehly taking over, Potter in seven months while Pochettino left by consensus after a chaotic season.
Therefore, the question is whether Maresca is confident that he will be given enough time to succeed at Stamford Bridge.
"For me, and I also think it helps me, I just focus on how I can improve the players and the team. After that, we will start the matches and try to win.
Speaking of time, I don't focus on that. For example, today I only focus on this afternoon, how we can work with the players and try to improve them. The focus is only on that. I like to focus on that. Also because I think it will be a waste of energy, a waste of time when thinking about time" - Maresca confidently answered.
However, after spending too much money on transfers, Chelsea certainly won't want to wait any longer. They hope to compete for titles from domestic to European competitions. And when mentioning narrowing the gap with Manchester City and Arsenal, Maresca surprisingly spoke about time.
"The only thing I can say is that Man City have had 8 or 9 years with the same coach. Mikel Arteta has also been at Arsenal for 5 years.
I'm not saying we need those years to get to their level. Hopefully we can reach that level sooner, but the only difference I see between Chelsea, Arsenal and Man City at the moment is the difference in time with the same coach" - the Italian strategist said.
Both Arteta and Guardiola can be proud of their control at the club they are playing for. That is something that Chelsea's recent managers under Boehly have not had. Tuchel, Potter and Pochettino have all had mixed disappointments with the board's approach to running the club.
They all have a say in the transfer process but very little and importantly, they do not create a significant impact.
When asked about his satisfaction with the impact he has, Maresca replied: "ally satisfied. It is difficult to evaluate the past. I'm not here, so it's very difficult. The only thing I can say is that when you go in the same direction - owner, sporting director and manager - everything will be much easier for everyone."
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall is under special pressure on this issue. The 25-year-old was recruited by Chelsea at Maresca's request and therefore, the midfielder's success will also be a testament to the Italian strategist's acumen.
A strong start would convince everyone that Maresca can succeed despite his failed predecessors. All eyes will be on Chelsea as they look forward to the next steps.
