Adarabioyo: Chelsea’s Super Eagles-eligible defender already likes 2 things about Maresca

Tosin Adarabioyo is pleased with his start to life under Enzo Maresca as Chelsea's pre-season training under the new head coach intensified on Thursday with double sessions at Cobham. 

Adarabioyo joined the West London club from local rivals Fulham after his contract expired, signing a four-year deal at Stamford Bridge. 

With the first week of pre-season nearing its conclusion, the 26-year-old centre-back was joined in training by some returning Euro 2024 participants Djordje Petrovic, Armando Broja and Mykhailo Mudryk, who represented Serbia, Albania and Ukraine at the finals. 

Adarabioyo, who continues to integrate with other new arrivals Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and Omari Kellyman, commented on his settling-in process.

"Settling in very well, getting along with all the boys," said the centre-back. "We've had a few good sessions now and I'm just enjoying the football."

The defender is also impressed with the quality of training under Maresca.

"It's only been a few days, but you can see the detail that he wants to go into. You can see how important every single pass and touch is. Everything's been with the ball so far. We've done a few runs, but a lot of passing drills, a lot of possession.

“Pre-season is where the work’s put in. That’s where you get your foundations, so pre-season is vital.”

Adarabioyo could make his non-competitive Chelsea debut when the Blues face League One side Wrexham in a friendly match in California. Both teams faced last year under previous boss Mauricio Pochettino, with the West Londoners winning 5-0.