Chelsea will get better and better, says manager Enzo Maresca

LONDON – Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca believes his team will gradually get to 100 per cent, as he prepares for their English Premier League clash at London rivals West Ham United on Aug 22.

Both teams are looking to set the tone early in the campaign, but they come into this match with contrasting fortunes from their opening fixtures, promising a fiercely contested encounter.

Chelsea started the season last weekend with a 0-0 draw against Crystal Palace.

But despite the stalemate, the Blues showcased their slick, possession-based style and key midfielders like Cole Palmer and Moises Caicedo are likely to dictate play more often, once they get into gear.

“Tough game. All the Premier League games are difficult,” said Maresca, 45, of West Ham.

“If you remember, the game at home last season was a different game for us (the Blues won 2-1). They defended very well – I expect exactly the same.

“But for sure, with more time we will be better and better. We need to adapt.

“We compete until the end and create chances. We will get better and better day after day.”

Following the Aug 17 draw, Maresca will be looking for more positives and the Italian will be boosted by young attackers Joao Pedro, Estevao Willian, and Liam Delap.

“Joao, with us, can play in the five positions up front; winger, behind the striker. As a No. 9, or behind the striker, is his best position. He can play in all the attacking positions for us,” added Maresca.

Defensive concerns linger, however.

Goalkeeper Robert Sanchez has been prone to errors, and the absence of Levi Colwill due to a knee injury forces an inexperienced 19-year-old Josh Acheampong into a central defensive role.

When asked if the club are seeking a new centre-back in this transfer window, Maresca brushed it off.

“We are looking for internal solutions. We will see what happens. We are trying to find a solution,” he said.

But despite these challenges, Chelsea’s attacking firepower and historical edge – winning five of their last seven league meetings against West Ham – make them favourites.

Maresca also confirmed that striker Nicolas Jackson is set to leave the club.

He said: “He is available, but he is not going to be part of the squad.

“Something can happen before the transfer window closes.

West Ham, managed by Graham Potter since January, are reeling from a 3-0 loss to newly promoted Sunderland in their opener.

The defeat exposed defensive frailties, with summer signings Mads Hermansen, Jean-Clair Todibo, and El Hadji Malick Diouf struggling to gel alongside Max Kilman and Nayef Aguerd.

Midfielders Lucas Paqueta and James Ward-Prowse failed to provide the necessary spark, leaving the Hammers vulnerable.

Potter, under pressure after winning only five of his first 20 games in charge, is desperate for a response against his former side.

West Ham vice-chairman Karren Brady has said the club “won’t panic” and the former Chelsea manager will be given time to turn things around.

“He builds a special relationship with players and they understand where he’s coming from,” she said.

“He has a modern mindset and all of those things mean it does take some time to put a team together, to get the team playing the way that you want.

“West Ham is not a club that panics about its managers.”

The tactical battle will be intriguing.

Chelsea’s structured, possession-heavy approach will test West Ham’s shaky defence, while the Hammers will look to exploit counter-attacking opportunities.

Recent head-to-head clashes suggest goals, with a total of 15 scored in the last four matches – an average of 3.75 per game.

This London derby promises intensity and drama, with Chelsea aiming to build momentum and West Ham fighting to avoid another early setback.

In other news, Everton have agreed a partnership with Japan’s Nagoya Grampus which will see them work together on the development of emerging talent, both teams said on Aug 21.

“There will also be regular collaboration between coaching and performance staff to share knowledge and expertise across both men’s and women’s football,” Everton said in a statement.

Nagoya already had a similar partnership with Serie A side AS Roma, who are also owned by Everton’s owners, the Friedkin Group. REUTERS