'Maresca clearly willing to toe the party line'

Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca came across very relaxed and happy despite facing some awkward questions from the media on Friday.

The Italian has been a good communicator since coming in, with a complete mastery of the English language after his playing days at West Bromwich Albion and spells at West Ham, Manchester City and Leicester.

There is also an authenticity and an unwillingness to avoid difficult questions.

But as Chelsea's project continues to face criticism for stockpiling players and their disruptive approach to transfer activity - he is clearly willing to toe the party line.

That is Maresca as he starts the season, in the honeymoon period and without a body of work to be scrutinised.

Let's see how this season develops as he either thrives on the challenging role - that has seen Chelsea have five managers since this new ownership took over - or struggles in an often chaotic environment.