Italian talent Cesare Casadei admits he was ‘not very happy’ under Mauricio Pochettino at Chelsea, but he did not consider leaving the club after speaking with new coach Enzo Maresca.
Italian midfielder Casadei is proud to play for Chelsea and has not considered leaving the club after a conversation with his new manager Maresca, who he previously worked under at Leicester City during the first part of 2023-24 .
“I was delighted when I saw Maresca arrive at Stamford Bridge. I’m not the only one who has already worked with him. Dewsbury-Hall came from Leicester. Palmer and Lavia played under him at Manchester City,” Casadei told Tuttosport on Tuesday.
“The coach was very clear from the first day, and everyone understood his ideas. Being a compatriot is practical because of the language; I immediately understand his tactical instructions. However, I am treated the same as anyone else. There are no privileges.
Casadei returned to Chelsea in the January 2024 transfer window, when Chelsea surprisingly decided to bring him back after just six months at Leicester City. However, the Italian struggled to gain playing time under Maresca’s predecessor Pochettino.
“It was quite tough under Pochettino because I only made a few appearances as a substitute. 11 games, but only 71 minutes on the pitch. I wasn’t too happy. Everyone would like to play more,” he admitted.
Casadei ‘proud’ in ‘extra large’ Chelsea squad, but was unhappy under Pochettino
Rumors swirled last summer that he could return to Serie A on loan, but Casadei was happy to stay at Chelsea and work under Maresca again.
“After speaking with the coach, I was 100% sure that staying was the best decision,” admitted the midfielder.
“Maresca told me what he thought and I had no doubt. I stayed here without even considering possible loan agreements. I’m not even thinking about the winter transfer window. I couldn’t be more proud to play for Chelsea, and the competition is one of the reasons I decided to stay.
“I like the way he sees football. We work well under his leadership. I think he’s a great coach because he can get the best out of everyone. He is demanding as expected. We are at Chelsea and we have high expectations.
Casadei has started in EFL and Conference League matches this season, but has played in a different position in central midfield.
“Yes, the coach asked me to drop down a little this season. Let’s say as a midfielder,” said the formerBetween talent.
“When you play high up the pitch you can also take risks, but you can’t do that in defense because a mistake would be more serious. So, I do simple things for the team. I have more keys, so I have to manage them well. It is important to cover more roles for my career. I have to be ready to play whatever position he wants me to play.
“I am a professional who is not affected by mistakes. All humans make them, but it is important to react immediately. It’s about mentality and mental strength, for me it’s the personality on the pitch,” he continued.
“Never give up and fight until the last breath. Be positive and always see the glass half full.
“The competition is fierce; there are so many of us. After all, Chelsea are one of the best and most famous clubs in the world, so we have a top team. It’s also a challenge for the coach, let’s say, because he has to manage a very big team.
Casadei’s contract at Stamford Bridge expires in June 2028 and he hopes to stay at the club long term: “I want to become an important player for Chelsea and give my best, working hard in training,” he said. he declared.
The Italian talent has been compared to many central midfielders, from Sergej Milinkovic-Savic to Rodri and Michael Ballack, but he had another idol as a child.
“Kaka was my idol when I was a child and I followed him Milan“, he revealed.
“However, I have become a professional player now, and my first Serie A team was Inter, who I have no hard feelings towards for my sale.”
Source: Tuttosport newspaper, Tuesday October 8. Page 24
