'Helped me a lot': What Chelsea's £53m star has said about Enzo Maresca's coaching style that fans will love

Enzo Maresca will walk into Chelsea and meet familiar faces having worked with Romeo Lavia during his time at Manchester City’s academy. He also worked with Cole Palmer who has had a terrific first season as a Chelsea player. 

But it’s Lavia’s words that have given an insight into how the 44-year-old Italian works as he closes in on a sensational move from Leicester City to 2021 Champions League winners Chelsea. 

Lavia played only 20 minutes under former manager Mauricio Pochettino as injuries denied him fitness after completing his £53million move from Southampton last summer. 

But speaking about Maresca’s ability in 2021, the then Manchester City midfielder said he enjoyed working with the now Leicester City manager and described how his playing style and ability to develop young players has been key to his coaching career.

The Chelsea defender told Goal.com: “I really enjoy recovering the ball and pass through the lines. Enzo's helped me a lot with that, always being on the half-turn so I can see the game going forward, so it’s not a problem now."

"I know that I’ve got my qualities, but if I do something wrong they help me. Obviously, my teammates have got experience - some of them have trained with the first team. They’ve helped me a lot and I’ll keep learning."

Chelsea finished the season sixth under Mauricio Pochettino, winning all their last five games but that wasn't enough to save his job as missing out on Champions League football and disagreement on transfer meant the Argentinian had to leave his role. 

LondonWorld sources say the Blues have reached an agreement with Maresca and will offer him a five-year deal, similar to the one that was given to Graham Potter when he joined from Brighton and Hove Albion to replace Thomas Tuchel.