Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has issued a clear challenge to his squad, demanding they find a higher level of consistency to compete for major honours. His comments come ahead of a stern test against an Aston Villa side in blistering form, managed by the highly-respected Unai Emery.
Villa's Stunning Form Presents Chelsea Benchmark
The Blues host Villa at Stamford Bridge on Saturday afternoon, with the visitors arriving as one of the Premier League's most formidable outfits. Unai Emery's team has secured victory in 11 of their last 12 league matches, a run that has propelled them to within a single point of second-placed Manchester City.
Maresca pointed to this remarkable consistency as the benchmark his own Chelsea team must aim for. "Yeah, for sure it's one of the next steps," the Italian boss stated. "Again, to win 10 games in a row in the Premier League is very difficult." He acknowledged the widespread praise for Villa's progress over recent seasons, adding, "I think it's normal that they received praise... because they are doing fantastic."
Maresca's Gushing Tribute to Unai Emery
Ahead of the crucial fixture, Maresca reserved significant praise for his opposite number, Unai Emery. The Chelsea boss highlighted the Spaniard's successful track record across multiple clubs and leagues.
"I think, as you said, he has done a fantastic job in all the clubs," Maresca said. He detailed the specific qualities that make Emery's Villa so dangerous: "They are very intense, very aggressive. They know exactly what they want when they are on the ball."
Maresca's familiarity with Emery's methods stretches back over two decades, to when he faced a team managed by Emery as a player. "I faced Emery when I was a player and he was Almeria's manager. So it's many, many years, more than 25 years ago," he recalled. "So Unai is doing a fantastic job everywhere and he deserves it because his work ethic is very, very, very big."
Chelsea's Quest for Champions League Football
While Chelsea's form has been solid, with just one defeat in their last eight Premier League outings, draws against Bournemouth and Newcastle have hampered their progress. According to reports, this has shifted the immediate focus towards securing a Champions League qualification spot, rather than mounting a title challenge this season.
Maresca recognises that facing a team of Villa's current confidence and tactical clarity will be a major examination of his own team's development. The match represents a direct clash between a side aiming to break into the elite and one that has already cemented its place there this campaign.
The outcome at Stamford Bridge could prove pivotal for Chelsea's ambitions, as they look to emulate the kind of sustained excellence that has become Aston Villa's trademark under Unai Emery.
