Recently, Chelsea has applied a policy of signing long-term contracts with top young talents around the world. After Thomas Tuchel, Graham Potter and Mauricio Pochettino, Enzo Maresca is the fourth Blues coach to be given that responsibility. However, none of Maresca's predecessors had enough time to turn those expensive contracts into real collectives.
Tuchel was fired within 4 months of Todd Boehly taking over, Potter stayed in position for 7 months while Pochettino left by general 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 think it's beneficial for me as well, I'm just focused on how I can improve the players and the team. Then we'll go into the games and try to win win.
Speaking of time, I don't focus on that. For example, today I'm just focusing on this afternoon, how we can work with the players and try to improve them. The focus is just on that. I like to focus on that. Also because I think it would be a waste of energy, a waste of time to think about time" - Maresca answered confidently.
However, after spending so much money on transfers, Chelsea certainly won't want to wait any longer. They hope to be able to compete for titles from domestic to European arenas. And when it comes to closing the gap with Manchester City and Arsenal, Maresca suddenly talks about time.
"The only thing I can say is that Man City has had 8, 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 reach their level. Hopefully we can get to that level sooner, but the only difference I see between Chelsea and Arsenal and Man City at the moment is the difference in time with the same coach" - strategy said the Italian family.
Both Arteta and Guardiola can boast of the level of control at the clubs they work for. That's something Chelsea's recent coaches under Boehly haven't had. Tuchel, Potter and Pochettino all have various frustrations with the board's approach to running the club.
They all have a say in the transfer process but very little and importantly, do not create a significant impact.
When asked about his satisfaction with the level of influence he has, Maresca replied: "Absolutely satisfied. It's difficult to evaluate the past. I wasn't here, so it's very difficult. The only thing "The best I can say is that when you're all pulling in the same direction - owner, sporting director and manager - it's much easier for everyone."
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall is under particular pressure on this issue. The 25-year-old was recruited by Chelsea at the request of Maresca and therefore, the midfielder's success will also be a testament to the Italian strategist's acumen.
A strong start will help convince everyone that Maresca can succeed despite the failures of its predecessors. All eyes will be on Chelsea as they look to their next steps.
