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Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca has revealed that another Premier League club approached him before he completed his move to Stamford Bridge this summer. The Italian tactician stated that he'd already made up his mind by that point.
The Blues have undergone multiple transitions since Todd Boehly & Co. purchased the club in 2022. The west Londoners have seen a massive squad revamp and have run through four different managers over the last two years.
Chelsea finished 12th in the league table at the end of the 2022-23 campaign after showing dismal form. The club had Thomas Tuchel, Graham Potter, and Frank Lampard at the helm in just one season.
The Blues then appointed Mauricio Pochettino on a two-year deal in the summer of 2023. Despite a poor start, Pochettino's side turned things around and finished sixth in the league, securing European football.
However, Chelsea's hierarchy decided to part ways with the Argentine and hired former Leicester City boss Enzo Maresca. In a recent interview with Mail Sport journalist Kieran Gill, Maresca stated that an unnamed Premier League club tried to hire him while he was in contact with the Blues.
Maresca said:
“They asked me, ‘Do we still have time or is it too late?’ But by then I was already taking my decision.”
Chelsea will face Manchester City in their Premier League opener on August 18.
Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca talks about how he will use Cole Palmer next season
Enzo Maresca has stated that he is cognizant of the freedom Chelsea talisman Cole Palmer likes to have when he's on the pitch. Maresca talked about his plans for the Englishman for the 2024-25 campaign.
The Blues secured Palmer's services from Manchester City last summer for a reported £40 million fee. Despite receiving some criticism over the sum paid for the 22-year-old, Palmer proved his worth and more.
The England international was in extraordinary form for the Blues last season, contributing 27 goals and 15 assists in 48 appearances across all competitions.
During the aforementioned interview, Maresca was asked how he plans to use Palmer next season. He said:
"I know he likes a little bit of freedom. It is not easy for any player to score 20 goals one year and the same the next. What we want from Cole is to be himself.”
Palmer played an instrumental role in Chelsea securing a sixth-place finish last season. He ended the campaign as the club's top goalscorer and recorded the most assists.
