Oct, 19, V7N- Enzo Maresca has surprised many by successfully restoring stability at Chelsea amid ownership turmoil and squad challenges. His impressive work is set for a major test as fourth-placed Chelsea faces Premier League leaders Liverpool on Sunday. When Maresca took over in the summer, few expected the club to be competing in a top-of-the-table clash. 

Chelsea, under co-owners Todd Boehly and Behdad Eghbali, had experienced a revolving door of managers, including Thomas Tuchel, Graham Potter, and Mauricio Pochettino, all dismissed amid growing pressure and expectations. Despite their lavish spending of over £1 billion on new players, Chelsea had struggled to deliver results, finishing 12th last season.

Maresca, who was brought in after successfully guiding Leicester back to the Premier League, faced doubts due to his relative inexperience, being only in his second season as a manager. Yet, his time under Pep Guardiola at Manchester City has clearly influenced his tactical approach. He's instilled a more mature, disciplined style of play in a largely young squad, with players like Cole Palmer, Noni Madueke, and Levi Colwill thriving under his guidance.

Despite the tensions behind the scenes between Boehly and Eghbali, Maresca has steered Chelsea to an unbeaten run in their last seven games across all competitions. Chelsea’s haul of 16 league goals so far is second only to Manchester City, a testament to their attacking improvement. However, facing Liverpool, with whom they have won just once in their last 12 encounters, will be a true test of their resurgence.

Maresca remains optimistic, emphasizing his excitement about the challenge ahead. If Chelsea can perform well at Anfield, it would further affirm his positive impact in revitalizing a team that many thought was in decline.

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