Malo Gusto Lauds Maresca, Shades Pochettino at Chelsea
Malo Gusto wasted little time drawing a line between the past and present in west London, praising new head coach Enzo Maresca while subtly criticising predecessor Mauricio Pochettino.
Malo Gusto Explains Tactical Upgrade
The French right-back, who broke into the Chelsea XI under Pochettino last season, said Maresca’s “positional football” suits the squad far better. Gusto highlighted the Italian’s insistence on playing out from the back with crisp, vertical passing, a style he believes “gets the best from every line of the team.” In contrast, he felt Pochettino’s approach “sometimes left us without clear options,” hinting at the confusion that plagued the Blues during their inconsistent 2023-24 run.
Backs Maresca’s Winning Mentality
Gusto also hailed Maresca’s mentality after guiding Chelsea to the FIFA Club World Cup final at the first attempt. He noted that the former Leicester City boss “arrived with a plan and instant belief,” attributes the squad quickly embraced as they set up a showdown with Paris Saint-Germain on Sunday.
Subtle Dig at Pochettino
While respectful, the 21-year-old suggested the Argentine failed to provide the same clarity. “With Enzo, everyone knows his role—on and off the ball,” he said, implying that tactical detail had been lacking under the outgoing USMNT-linked coach.
What’s Next?
Chelsea fly to Jeddah on Friday aiming to capture a trophy that could accelerate their rebuild. A victory would not only vindicate Maresca’s methods but also validate Gusto’s confidence in the new era.
Opinion
Maresca’s quick tactical imprint and Gusto’s public endorsement indicate a cleaner, more coherent Chelsea blueprint. If results match the rhetoric, Stamford Bridge may finally rediscover the stability it craves.
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