ENZO’S THE FERRARI OF BOSSES
Winks claims Maresca is better than Poch and the Special One
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JOSE MOURINHO, Mauricio Pochettino and Antonio Conte had better look away now.
Harry Winks says he’s now playing for the best manager he’s ever worked for – Leicester City’s Enzo Maresca.
While the A-list group might have the plum jobs and the glitterati to deal with, Winks says they are living in the Italian’s shadow.
This is former Juventus midfielder Maresca’s first job since striking out on his own from Pep Guardiola and victory today will leave his team just six victories short of an immediate return to the Premier League.
No wonder Winks, 28, rates his gaffer so highly.
“I’m loving my life here,” former Spurs star Winks said.
“It’s probably been the most enjoyable season of my career and he is by far the best manager I’ve worked with. He’s incredible. Tactically, manmanagement, he’s a pleasure to work with. And he improves everyone’s game.
“He tells you how to affect the opposition and what your strengths are. You go on the pitch and you feel free. You feel like you’ve got ideas and you go into a game with the right mentality. I feel like I’ve improved as a player tactically and technically.”
It’s at this point in the interview that Maresca leans over and says into the microphone: “Nothing would have happened without this man.” The feeling is clearly mutual.
Former England international
Winks went on: “I knew my time at Spurs was finished and I wanted to go somewhere there was a challenge.
“I spoke to him (Maresca) before I signed. He told me his vision, what he wanted to do and how he wanted to play.
“He made it very clear I was going to be a very important player for him. That was enough for me. As soon as I heard that, I was all in.
“I wanted to rebuild my career and get back to where I believe I can get to. I thought this was the perfect place with the perfect coach to do it.
“I’m so happy I’ve made the decision I did.” Leicester moved 14 points clear of third-placed Southampton with the midweek victory over relegation strugglers Sheffield Wednesday.
Maresca said the only focus for the Foxes, already 1-12 to win the title, was on this afternoon’s opponents Middlesbrough, warning that if the performance levels drop his players will forfeit their places.
Winks added: “We’ve known that if anyone drops their standards they could be out. That’s the quality we have got.
“We’ve broken records for points and wins at certain times this season but we know how much quality there is in this division.
“Leeds, Southampton and Ipswich are right on our tails. They want to finish in the top two as well.
“We approach every game with the right mentality whoever we play against and work as hard as we can.
“But this is a Premier League club. The training ground, the infrastructure, everything about it is top.
“It’s only so many years ago they won the Premier League.
“It’s an amazing club to be at. I’m loving it.”