The ninth matchday of the 2025/26 Premier League season will feature a crucial match, with Chelsea hosting newly promoted Sunderland at Stamford Bridge. Maresca expressed his delight at the players' spirit of solidarity on the pitch, emphasizing that unity is a crucial element in achieving the team's goals.

After defeating Nottingham Forest 3-0 in the last round of the league, Chelsea currently sits in fifth place with 14 points, having won two, drawn one and lost two of their last five matches. In addition, in the Champions League third round match earlier this month, Chelsea defeated Ajax 5-1 thanks to goals from Giu, Caicedo, Enzo, Esteban Willian and Tyreek George.

Talking about the performance in the Champions League, Chelsea coach Maresca said, "It was great. I told the players after the game that we should be happy about defeating Ajax and getting 3 points, but what made me happiest in that game was that Enzo gave the penalty kick opportunity to Estevan William."

"It really shows what we are as a team, how united and hardworking we are, and that's exactly what we need to achieve great things."

Maresca also said, "We have Andre Santos and Joao Pedro, who have both played in Europe for a while and have given Estevan William a lot of help. As a coaching staff and a club, we must do our best to help him and give him the attention he deserves. But this is not just for Estevan William, we will do this for all young players joining from overseas."

"He's a very special player and the most rare thing is that he's completely focused on football. He enjoys the game and always stays positive, and his family has done a great job in nurturing him."