Jadon Sancho on what makes him want to play for Maresca – Potter and Ten Hag didn't have it

12/13/2024 08:00 AM

Jadon Sancho is one of the big winners of this Chelsea season so far. His arrival had us scratching our heads given the wealth of talent already available in those areas, but he's found a role in the team and has played more consistently that we would have expected.

Perhaps that shouldn't be a surprise. His talent has never been in question – he's been highly rated since a really young age. But it's been all too rarely that we've seen it maximised. What he needed was a coach who knew how to push his buttons, and in Enzo Maresca it looks like he's found one.

In an interview with Sky Sports, Sancho really made it clear how much of a fan he is of the Italian.

You can see the full interview in the clip embedded here:

Jadon on his development under inspiring new coach

"Training is fun," was how the winger put it, summing up why there's such a positive mood in the Chelsea dressing room after a few really dark years.

"Everyone's pushing each other to do extras, and that's what we need," Sancho continued.

"Maresca is a very good coach. He understands players. But he's very hard on you if you don't do the right stuff. And I think every player is buying in… in my first talk with him I got a good impression… when I entered the room I felt his aura, his presence."

That was always a huge concern for us when appointing a new coach – it's so clear when a coach has command of the dressing room (Thomas Tuchel) and when they don't (Graham Potter, Erik Ten HAg). All of the tactical credentials in the world won't count if the players don't believe in you. Thankfully it sounds like Maresca is impressing everyone.