As the opening game of the new Premier League season draws nearer, Chelsea's young defender Colville expressed his deep understanding of new manager Frank Maresca's soccer philosophy and unlimited expectations for the new season in a pre-match interview. Chelsea will face the mighty Manchester City in the first round of the Premier League on Sunday night at 23:30, and Colwell's speech will undoubtedly inject more confidence and expectation into the team.
When it comes to Maresca's soccer philosophy, Colwell likens it to a carefully laid out game of chess. "The manager's approach to the game is very strategic, and each player is like a piece on the board that needs to be placed in the right position in order to work together to achieve our goals." Colwell emphasized that this tactical system places higher demands on the player's mental fitness, and that he must always be aware of his position and responsibilities on the field, and think about how he can contribute to the team's progress.
Colwell was complimentary of Maresca's level of focus, believing that it fully utilizes his individual strengths. "Maresca's level of focus is incredible compared to other coaches. He is strict with us not just on the training ground but in every aspect of our lives, and that focus has benefited me greatly." Colwell also revealed that Maresca is very hands-on, giving every player equal attention and support, and that this fairness and impartiality has made the team more united and strong.
In pre-season, Chelsea's team gradually found its form through a series of warm-up matches, and the team's cohesion has been significantly improved. A solid foundation is the key for us to meet any challenge," said Colville. The pre-season not only helped us get back the feeling of the game, but also allowed us to make great progress in teamwork and tacit understanding."
As an outstanding player trained by Chelsea's youth camp, Colville has already assumed a leadership role in the team. He admits that growing up at Chelsea has made him more confident and mature. "I know the youth camp staff and the players who are growing up, which makes me feel more comfortable in the team. At the same time, I learned how to grow and mature quickly, which played a key role in me adapting to life in the first team and becoming a senior player." Colwell also said he would offer advice and support to young players who need help to better integrate into the team and reach their potential.
Colville wore the captain's armband twice last season, an honor that made him even more determined to play for Chelsea. "I learned a lot from last season's experience and grew both as a person and as a player." He singled out the challenges and rewards of playing at left-back: "Although it was challenging to play left-back most of the time, I gained a deeper understanding of the position. Now whenever I play center back, I am better able to understand the needs of the wing backs and provide the necessary support."
