LONDON: New Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca said it was vital to rebuild the connection between the club and fans following a tumultuous two years at Stamford Bridge. The former Leicester boss replaced Mauricio Pochettino last month after the Argentine left by mutual consent.

The Italian, 44, impressed club bosses after taking Leicester back into the top flight at the first time of asking. “For me, it’s quite clear we need to create as soon as possible the right mentality, the right culture - a culture that the fans can be proud of the team,” Maresca told the club’s website.

“We’re going to try to be an aggressive team on the ball and off the ball. We need to create this connection between the fans and the club, especially at home.” Under Pochettino, and his predecessors Graham Potter and caretaker boss Frank Lampard, the atmosphere at home games was often one of frustration as fans vented their anger at the players, the management and the club hierarchy.

The team lost just one of their final 15 league games to qualify for the Europa Conference League but they finished trophyless for the second straight season. “When you join a club like Chelsea, you have to know it’s a club that has to win,” said Maresca.

“For us, we’re going to try to do our best to be there, to fight and to compete with the clubs that in this moment are winning and fighting to win titles. “One of the reasons I’m here is because I’m convinced that the squad is very good. It’s full of talent, so the most important thing now is that we are able to create the right culture to drive us through the season. — AFP