As Chelsea fans, we’re always looking forward to fresh talent joining our ranks, but it turns out that manager Enzo Maresca initially had reservations about re-signing Joao Felix this summer.

According to Guillem Balague, who spoke to the BBC, Felix returned to Chelsea on lower wages and signed a lengthy seven-year deal after an underwhelming loan spell in 2023. But Maresca had his doubts.

“I don’t do miracles,” Balague revealed as one of Maresca’s favorite sayings, a phrase that underscores the manager’s realistic approach to player development. It’s a sentiment that perhaps reflected Maresca’s initial hesitancy, given that Felix has struggled to fully live up to his potential despite his clear talent.

However, Chelsea’s management believed that Felix could become a valuable asset for the club and that Maresca’s meticulous coaching style could bring out the best in him.

“The club though, were convinced he could be useful and that Maresca’s detailed work would make him better,” Balague added. Eventually, Maresca accepted the challenge, agreeing to work with the young Portuguese star and help him adapt to Chelsea’s system.

This willingness to take on the task of nurturing Felix shows Maresca’s commitment to making Chelsea stronger, even when the path isn’t straightforward. As fans, we’re hopeful that Maresca’s coaching can indeed work wonders for Felix, helping him unlock his potential and deliver the impact we know he’s capable of at Stamford Bridge.