Mikel Arteta reveals why he thinks Enzo Maresca is a “magnificent coach”
Chelsea face a big game against Arsenal on Sunday and Mikel Arteta has been full of praise for Enzo Maresca in the build-up.
The Blues head to the Emirates looking for a first win against Arsenal since 2021, and victory would see them close the gap on the Gunners in second to three points.
Maresca’s men head into the game on a run of four wins in a row in all competitions and three consecutive clean sheets.
Arteta full of praise for Maresca
Chelsea sit fourth and are on track to qualify for the Champions League, whilst they are also in the quarter finals of the Conference League.
However, the Blues face a very difficult end to the season, with Champions League qualification far from a guarantee.
John Obi Mikel has expressed his concern over Chelsea’s run-in, but with key players set to return after the international break it should provide a much needed boost.
Chelsea’s record in big games hasn’t been good this season and the Blues have lost at Anfield and the Etihad, whilst they could only manage a draw at Old Trafford.
Maresca has already confirmed Robert Sanchez will start in goal, whilst with injuries the rest of the team bar one or two positions picks itself.
The Italian has done a pretty good job to date given his lack of experience and how difficult an environment Chelsea can be, and Arteta has been full of praise for his counterpart.
“He’s a magnificent coach,” he told BBC Sport.
“He’s very clear what he wants to do, he’s been very clear what he wants and how he does it. I really like the way his team plays.”
If Chelsea were to win on Sunday it’s unlikely Arteta would be so forthcoming in his praise, but it’s interesting to see how highly regarded Maresca is by his fellow managers.
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