Raheem Sterling defends Enzo Maresca following tough Chelsea start

Chelsea winger Raheem Sterling has thrown his support behind new head coach Enzo Maresca following their disappointing pre-season tour of the USA.

The Blues won only one of their five games while Stateside. They beat Club America, but fell to defeats against Celtic, Manchester City and Real Madrid, while they were also held to a draw by League One side Wrexham. During these outings, Chelsea were criticised for their lack of aggression while defending and carelessness when in possession.

Maresca was hired to implement a possession-based style of football, following on from Mauricio Pochettino's one-season era based on pressing and quick transitions.

Speaking to BBC Sport, Sterling believes Chelsea are trending in the right direction and backed Maresca, who he previously worked with at City, to be successful at Stamford Bridge.

"[He can get the] best out of me, the best out of the team," Sterling said. "He has come in and stamped his authority, the way he wants to play.

"Yes, some of the results haven't been pleasing but, with the ball, the right information is getting passed on. You can see the patterns coming through.

"It is early days so you can see where we're looking to go. It is a learning process for the whole group and one we are grasping really quickly.

"The Premier League is coming along very soon so I do think there are good times ahead."

Chelsea have one pre-season friendly left in their calendar - a home game against Inter on Sunday - before they kick off their Premier League campaign.

Maresca's first competitive match in charge of the Blues sees them take on City and old friend Pep Guardiola at Stamford Bridge.

Four days later, Chelsea begin their UEFA Conference League journey with the home leg of their play-off round tie against either Braga or Servette.

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