How Maresca is navigating first, complicated days at Chelsea

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SANTA CLARA, Calif. -- Two members of Stanford University's American football team tried to talk their way past security and into Chelsea's first training session on this summer's preseason tour of the United States. "We just need to get something from our lockers ... but don't tell the coach," one said to an unimpressed and unmoved guard at Stanford Stadium's Gate 1, everyone bathed in Tuesday's 90-degree Fahrenheit heat.

Intrigue around Chelsea abounds, particularly the 2024 version under new manager Enzo Maresca. The 44-year-old Italian, prised from Leicester City following their Championship-winning campaign to replace Mauricio Pochettino, is the club's…