'I think': Paul Scholes admits he got it wrong about Enzo Maresca at Chelsea

It’s fair to say there was a long list of doubters when Enzo Maresca took charge at Chelsea.

Enzo Maresca, 44, became the new Chelsea manager in the summer to succeed Mauricio Pochettino. Despite guiding Leicester City to promotion in the Championship last season, there’s no doubt it’s a big step up at Stamford Bridge for his first experience of being the head coach of a Premier League club.

So far, the Italian boss has made a really positive start with the Blues, winning nine of his opening 14 games across all competitions this season.

Gary Lineker has hailed Maresca’s impact at Chelsea, which has gone far better than many may have predicted.

• READ MORE: What Enzo Maresca has introduced to Chelsea training to celebrate big moments for players

Photo by Crystal Pix/MB Media/Getty Images

Paul Scholes acknowledges he was wrong about Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca

Premier League legend Paul Scholes has admitted that Chelsea’s Maresca has completely surprised him with how well he’s done in the last few months.

Scholes told The Overlap: “I think we’ve got to give Maresca credit because I remember on the show at the start of the year I felt he could’ve been one of the first ones gone. I think he’s been quite ruthless in what he’s done…

“I just felt he was a coach, but he’s come in, and it looks like he’s done everything. He’s got control, he’s bombed people out of the squad and put them to one part of the training pitch. He’s built a squad of players now that seem really good. They seem to have found something. They look like a brilliantly coached team.”

In a similar light, Wayne Bridge says Maresca’s done brilliantly under the circumstances at Chelsea.

There’s been a chaotic feeling around the club in the last few years, but suddenly things have calmed down a bit after a few months with the new manager.

Difficult tests lie around the corner for Enzo Maresca

As it stands, Chelsea are fifth in the league table after a positive start. They’re only one point behind fourth-placed Aston Villa in what could be an enthralling race for the Champions League positions this year.

While it’s important that the Blues do well in various cups, there’s no doubt that the Premier League is the main objective.

Jason Cundy claims Chelsea look well coached under Maresca, but can they keep up the momentum in the weeks ahead?

Here is a look at Chelsea’s next six league fixtures, which include some tricky clashes:

• Sunday 3rd November
  Premier League

  • Man UtdManchester United

    16:30

    ChelseaChelsea

• Sunday 10th November
  Premier League

  • ChelseaChelsea

    16:30

    ArsenalArsenal

• Saturday 23rd November
  Premier League

  • LeicesterLeicester

    12:30

    ChelseaChelsea

• Sunday 1st December
  Premier League

  • ChelseaChelsea

    13:30

    Aston VillaAston Villa

• Wednesday 4th December
  Premier League

  • SouthamptonSouthampton

    19:30

    ChelseaChelsea

• Sunday 8th December
  Premier League

  • TottenhamTottenham

    16:30

    ChelseaChelsea

If Chelsea are still around the top four after the next set of games, Maresca is going to be a very popular man around the club. If not, the pressure of managing a big club may start to surface.

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