The travelling Chelsea supporters in the 5-1 dismantling of Southampton in the Premier League on Wednesday were chanting the name of head coach Enzo Maresca.
The Blues were 4-1 ahead late in the contest when the away end sang his name as they enjoyed seeing ther team move up to second on the log and when Maresca applauded the chants, it became louder.
“It was a very good feeling. You can see they are happy, that is our target, we work every day to keep them happy,” Maresca said in his post-match presser.
“Tonight was a very good feeling.
“They can see Chelsea is back and this is an important thing.”
Maresca took over a Chelsea team who finished sixth last term under Mauricio Pochettino, and their impressive form has put them nine points ahead of where they were at this stage of the previous season.
Chelsea are also showing brilliance in Europe. They are top of the Conference League standings with four wins from four games, and they are now unbeaten in five league matches.
“I think it’s a good feeling, not only for the owners but for the players, club and the fans. A good feeling for all of us,” Maresca said.
“The results, for sure, help us a lot to calm down noise around the club.”
Maresca was able to tweak his side and make seven changes from the side which beat Aston Villa 3-0 at the weekend, with keeper Filip Jorgensen making his first Premier League appearance, although Maresca said that Robert Sanchez would return in between the sticks for the next game.
Maresca was not overly pleased with the whole performance, however, especially after they game room for the Southampton equaliser just after going in front.
“I am very happy with the five we scored.
“I’m not happy with the first 20 minutes where we struggled.
“We prepared to press them man-to-man and we did not do that.
“After 15 or 20 minutes, we adjusted that and the game was much better,” he added.
