Enzo Maresca reveals feeling pressure at Chelsea: 'It hasn’t gone that way' | OneFootball

Italian head coach has made a promising start to life as Chelsea boss

Your matchday briefing on Chelsea, featuring team news and expert analysis from Dom Smith

Sign up

I would like to be emailed about offers, event and updates from Evening Standard. Read our privacy notice.

Enzo Maresca has said that he felt pressure upon being appointed new Chelsea head coach.

Signing a five-year deal in west London to replace Mauricio Pochettino, Maresca would go on to have a largely successful first season in charge.

While Chelsea suffered early exits in the domestic cup competitions, they qualified for the Champions League thanks to a top-four Premier League finish, secured on the final day of the season against Nottingham Forest.

Enzo Maresca guided Chelsea to a pair of trophies in his first season in charge

Chelsea FC via Getty Images

Reflecting on his time at Chelsea so far, Maresca - who was recently sent-off for over-celebrating a last-minute winner against Liverpool - admits he felt pressure of being the only Italian to have not been successful in his home country before taking on such a big job.

Speaking on stage at the Festival dello Sport, he said: “It’s a great feeling. This is my second season at the club, but we’d never won in the last minute at home before.

“The reaction that led to the sending off was instinctive, but maybe it was worth it.

“We’re talking about one of the biggest clubs in the world, one that has struggled in recent years for various reasons.

“When I first signed, I felt the pressure of being the only Italian not to have won here (in Italy), but fortunately it hasn’t gone that way.

“Bringing this club back to the top is a very satisfying feeling.”