Chelsea midfielder Moises Caicedo believes he will excel under the stewardship and management of Enzo Maresca.
The Ecuadorian has played just 45 minutes under the Italian this pre-season due to management concerns over his fitness, after the midfielder only took a short summer break after competing in the Copa America.
There is just one final pre-season test in the States as we play Real Madrid tomorrow evening in Charlotte.
On the eve of the fixture against Carlo Ancelotti’s side, Caicedo was asked to look back at his Chelsea career thus far.
Moises on the flight to Charlotte
‘At the beginning, it was tough for me because it is a big club and that you always have to win every game. It was tough for me as I was at Brighton, where the pressure is less. Chelsea is different,’ Moises said.
‘There’s a lot of pressure because of the club’s history and the players who were here [previously]. It was really tough to be there, but in the last four or five months, I felt more comfortable at the club because I had a lot of people around me.’
‘[I was struggling with] confidence because I have the quality, and I know the player I am,’ he said honestly.
Receive James and Moises Caicedo talking during a training session
‘But sometimes, if you are not strong in your mind, it is difficult. After every game, I watch my game. A guy I speak to regularly told me, ‘Moises, you are a good player; you can do whatever you want on the pitch with responsibility. Just trust in yourself. If Chelsea paid that much money for you, it’s because you are a very good player’.
‘I hope to perform even better and show my qualities.’
Enzo Maresca spoke before Moises explained how he has watched and known Caicedo for quite some time.
Caicedo sporting our new away shirt
The Ecuadorian is looking forward to progressing both on and off the pitch under our new head coach’s guidance.
‘He plays like the same system that I played in Brighton. He wants the same. He wants me to show my quality, to have good personality, and to show to my team-mates that I am the boss on the pitch.
‘For sure, I will be a good player with him.’
Tickets are still available to watch Chelsea take on Real Madrid at the Bank of America Stadium in our last game in the USA in 2024, as well as Club Chelsea packages on sale now.