Newcastle manager Eddie Howe impressed by one thing Enzo Maresca has ‘already’ done at Chelsea

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Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe has paid tribute to opposite number Enzo Maresca ahead of this weekend’s meeting with Chelsea.

Chelsea host Newcastle at Stamford Bridge on Sunday afternoon in the Premier League. Incidentally, the rivals meet again a few days later when the Blues travel to St James’ Park for the Carabao Cup.

Eddie Howe joined the Toon as their boss back in 2021, proving to be a successful and popular man in the dugout. As for Enzo Maresca, he’s only a few months into his reign as the Chelsea manager after arriving in the summer. So far, his team have won eight of their opening 13 matches across all competitions.

Speaking via The Daily Mail last week, Graeme Souness praised Maresca for his immediate impact at Chelsea.

• READ MORE: Cole Palmer shares conversation he had with Enzo Maresca about not playing in Conference League

Eddie Howe impressed by Enzo Maresca

Speaking ahead of Sunday’s clash between Chelsea and Newcastle, Howe has delivered glowing praise on Maresca. In particular, he thinks that the Italian coach has already got his side playing how he wants on the pitch.

When discussing Maresca’s impact this season, Howe said via Chronicle Live: “I think he’s very clever with what he does. He’s got a clear view how he wants the team to play and hugely impressed at Leicester last year. Now he’s come to Chelsea, which is not an easy job.

“There are no easy jobs in the Premier League but he has stamped his authority on the team. They’re already playing in the manner that he wants.”

Will the Chelsea bubble burst in next few games?

It certainly feels like there’s a positive feeling around Chelsea right now. The general results have been positive this campaign under new management, plus there’s a clearly identity coming through on the pitch.

However, we think the Blues could go into November’s international break with a much more negative mood around them if they fail in their next set of games before them.

Here is a look at the upcoming league games for Maresca’s team before the next break:

The club’s start to the season could well be determined by the upcoming results, so it’s crucial Chelsea get a healthy points return.

Maresca’s style of play is coming to fruition on the pitch, especially when it comes to some of the attacking patterns. Can the team stiffen up a leaky defence, though?