Chelsea defender gives stunning verdict on Enzo Maresca and offers positive update on injury concerns

Enzo Maresca has received the seal of approval from Chelsea centre-back Benoit Badiashile, who has admitted he likes the “structure” the Italian brings.

Chelsea They are currently enjoying their pre-season tour of the US, as they prepare to host the defending champions. Manchester City in its first Premier league Game of the season on Sunday, August 18.

In their most recent match they beat Mexican side Club América 3-0.

And Badiashile told talkSPORT the win had been a great moment for the team.

“It was important to win this match because we started the pre-season with a draw and a defeat,” he said. “It was important to win and we are happy.”

Chelsea had lost 4-1 in their previous pre-season game against Celtic, having drawn 2-2 with Wrexham in the first.

But the French defender is in good spirits after a much-needed win in Atlanta.

There had been concerns for the 23-year-old after he came off during the match, but he dismissed any worries over his fitness.

“I feel fine,” he insisted. “It was just a cramp in my calf and hamstring, but I'm fine now.”

And he was equally positive when giving his verdict on the new coach. Maresca.

“The coach asked us to be more structured,” he said. “It's easier to play with him because we all know what we have to do.”

Badiashile added that Maresca had been instrumental in helping the new signings adapt to life at Chelsea, with the Italian having only recently joined the Blues.

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Chelsea have already secured a number of key signings, including: Tosin Adarabioyo From Fulham, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall from Leicester and Marc Guiu from Barcelona.

“The coach and the team tried to help them feel more comfortable,” Badiashile said. “And I think they feel good.”

Another Chelsea star who certainly seems to be feeling pretty good is Badiashile's compatriot. Christopher Nkunku.

The winger scored his third goal in three games in Chelsea's last game and has made life difficult for defenders.

And his skill and achievements lately did not surprise Badiashile at all.

He said: “Christopher is a good player and today he showed again that he is a good player. I am happy that he is with us.”

Badiashile has started all three preseason games so far.

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But as one of several centre-backs in the Chelsea squad competing for just two starting places, he will know he has a huge task ahead of him if he is to feature consistently in the starting XI.

However, he insisted that this would only make him work harder.

“We are Chelsea, so the competition is like that,” he said. “Even in midfield, in attack, it's a big club. We have to strive to be the best and we try to do our best.”