Enzo Maresca has called for patience from Chelsea fans as the new head coach prepares for his Premier League bow.
The Blues get underway on Sunday against champions Manchester City and all eyes will be on the former Leicester boss to see how he copes in England’s top flight.
Maresca led the Foxes to the Championship title last term before departing the Midlands and taking star man Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall with him to West London.
He is aiming to become the first of the last five Chelsea managers to win his opening game but against Pep Guardiola’s side, it will be a tough ask.
Speaking in his pre-match press conference, Maresca said: “Worst case scenario it will be six! We are going to try and do our best to win games.
“For me, the big difference between us, in this moment, and other teams is that it is just a matter of time.
“Some clubs work with a manger for eight years, so with time we will close the gap and hopefully that can happen soon.”
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“Yes. Sometimes it sounds like an excuse from managers and I know timing in football is difficult, but in our case with the process and ideas we will close the gap.
“We need their [fans] support because when you are on the pitch and you can hear the fans behind the team it is like 12 players.
“If they support us and be patient then we will pay them back with performance and results.”
Chelsea have been active in the transfer market but currently have a bloated squad with 43 players in it.
They have brought in the likes of Pedro Neto but have not yet been able to ship out Conor Gallagher, Raheem Sterling or Noni Madueke.
Maresca is hoping that problem will be resolved by the time the transfer window shuts.
He added: “At the moment, if I start to think I have 43 players, it is not a good thing.
“Paul and Laurence [the sporting directors] are in charge of finding solutions for these players, not me.
“Gallagher is back and he is training. He is dong some medical tests and training separately so he won’t be involved in this game.
“He is also trying to find a solution with the club, so we will see what happens.
“Unfortunately these things happen every summer. All clubs have problems but hopefully for him this situation will finish where the player, club and manager will be happy.”
