Word from the top-tier press conferences, including updates on Gabriel Jesus, Dominic Solanke and Ola Aina
Enzo Maresca said he will not let a disappointing run of results force him into ripping up his plans for the season. The head coach’s team have stumbled into December with two defeats and a draw that have brought about a frank reassessment of the team’s Premier League title credentials, as well as denting their European ambitions. A strong run last month had lifted them to second. But the euphoria created by the stunning 3-0 win over Barcelona and brave resistance with 10 men when drawing 1-1 with the Gunners has evaporated.
Maresca’s team are winless in the league since 22 November and after taking one point from games away against Leeds and Bournemouth, there is a nervousness surrounding Saturday’s meeting with Everton at Stamford Bridge. With the deteriorating mood around the club, the Italian insisted now is not the time to overreact.
“For us, November was fantastic but we haven’t started December the way we would like,” he said. “Nine days ago we played Leeds. We’ve had three games in a row where we didn’t get the results that we expect. It’s football. It’s completely normal. We’re always looking for problems. Leeds was eight-nine days ago. In nine days we’re not going to change our season because we didn’t get the points we expect. I’m completely relaxed. We dropped points because it’s football.”
