Chelsea’s Malo Gusto claims that Enzo Maresca sparked a renewed determination within the squad by cancelling their scheduled day off.
Following an embarrassing 3-0 defeat in a training match against the club’s U21 team at Cobham, the senior players – who were not on international duty – were expected to enjoy some family time.
However, Maresca, outraged by the loss, demanded they return for additional training. Gusto credits this tough decision with contributing to their recent victory over Spurs and emphasises the importance of maintaining this level of effort.
He said: “I don’t know what you’ve seen, it was just normal, we have to fight in training and that’s what he said. Nothing crazy happened but we just have to continue in this way.
“That’s how we won against Spurs because we trained well this week and we have to maintain that. That’s why we work every day, we’re trying to create something as a team to win games because every team that’s behind us is pushing.
Gusto also highlighted the team’s ambition, stating: “Our target is to finish in the top four, we don’t have to hide, we just have to show our best and keep fighting and that’s how we will achieve it.
“Now we have an important game against Brentford and need to continue showing our togetherness.” Despite Chelsea’s impressive run of five consecutive home wins in the Premier League, they face a challenge to overcome a streak of seven winless away games, with their last road victory dating back to a 4-3 triumph over Spurs on December 8.
Gusto is optimistic the recent returns of Nicolas Jackson and Cole Palmer, who both made notable impressions in their midweek win, will help in their top four push.
On the significance of having the duo back and fit, the French star stated: “It’s very important for us. Not just them, we are just happy to try and create something between us, as a team. We really need everyone for the rest of the season to try and achieve our target.”
Chelsea’s determination shone through in Moises Caicedo’s performance against Tottenham, where he overcame an early injury concern.
Gusto praised £115million British-record signing Caicedo: “Moises always shows it and he pushes everyone. That’s the type of spirit we need to finish in the top four.”
Furthermore, Gusto embraced the positive rivalry with Reece James for the right-back position, saying: “I just try to give my best and help the team as much as I can, the coach picked me to start and I have to show him that I can play there.”
