Eden Hazard Shares Thoughts on Mauricio Pochettino and Reece James’ Praise for Chelsea’s New Manager

The mood at Stamford Bridge has taken a dramatic turn for the better under Enzo Maresca, compared to the struggles Chelsea faced a year ago. While the Blues battled their way to a top-six finish last season under Mauricio Pochettino, they now find themselves competing in the UEFA Conference League.

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Chelsea’s Struggles Under Pochettino

Last season, Chelsea was stuck in mid-table mediocrity around this time. Despite a late-season push to secure a respectable finish, inconsistency plagued their campaign. What made things worse was the inability to keep key players fit, something that repeatedly hampered the team’s performance under Pochettino.

Interestingly, Maresca’s starting lineup hasn’t deviated much from the squad Pochettino had available. However, better injury management under the new regime has allowed players to contribute more consistently, a critical improvement from the previous year.

Eden Hazard Throws Shade at Pochettino

Chelsea legend Eden Hazard didn’t hold back when discussing the current state of the club with captain Reece James. Despite his limited playing time this season due to injuries, James expressed optimism about Maresca’s leadership.

During a candid conversation at A Star Barbers, Hazard asked James about his thoughts on the new manager.

“How’s the new manager, Reece?” Hazard inquired.

James responded with enthusiasm, “Yeah bro, he’s good.”

Hazard didn’t miss the opportunity to draw a comparison, adding, “Better than last season for sure.”

Reflecting on Chelsea’s previous struggles, Hazard shared a personal anecdote about his son, Leo, a die-hard Chelsea fan. “You know Leo was in depression last year. He’s a crazy Chelsea fan, and he cried every game,” Hazard revealed, emphasizing how tough things had been for supporters.

Chelsea Fans Thriving Under Maresca

Fans have rallied behind Maresca, and their excitement is palpable. During Chelsea’s emphatic 5-1 victory against Southampton, chants praising the Italian manager echoed through the stadium.

The atmosphere around the club has undergone a significant transformation, finally bringing stability after several turbulent moments under Todd Boehly’s ownership. The ambitious plans set in motion by the ownership are beginning to show promising results, with Maresca at the helm.

A New Era of Optimism

Chelsea’s turnaround under Maresca has reignited hope among players, fans, and even club legends like Hazard. With a solid foundation now in place, the Blues seem ready to embrace a brighter future, leaving behind the shadows of last season’s struggles.