Enzo Maresca is delivering the Chelsea plan Mauricio Pochettino wanted but could never achieve

Throughout his one-year tenure at Stamford Bridge, Mauricio Pochettino consistently called for patience from supporters as he looked to build a connection with the fan base.

A largely underwhelming season overall led to the Argentine coach being sacked in May despite the Blues finishing sixth after a sublime end to the campaign. After his previous ties with Tottenham Hotspur, it never felt as if Pochettino was ever taken to by Chelsea supporters, who had their doubts from the very first day of his stint.

Pochettino himself never warmed to the fans either. Throughout his time in west London, Pochettino spoke about his aim to build a "genuine connection" with the club's fan base. "I arrived to Chelsea in a different project than in the previous 10 years," the former head coach said in April.

"I played with my reputation to come here, in a project to build a team with young players, talented players. We knew it was a massive challenge to build a team, win games and to be competitive, to take the risk with the fans.

"I said from the beginning: I want to build a genuine relationship. Not kissing the badge or doing stupid things on the touchline to win the [favour] of the fans. I want to prove the team the tools to win games, to make them believe in ourselves and to build a relationship.

"I'm not here to be a populist and a hypocrite and say 'I love the fans', because I know it's about time to build this relationship."

Those comments came just over one month before the club announced Pochettino had left his role as head coach. It is safe to say his plan to win over the fans, while not forcing a connection, never worked at Stamford Bridge.

Pochettino's successor Enzo Maresca, who took over the reins from the Argentine in the summer, has approached the situation a bit differently. Maresca wants his players, first and foremost, to build a connection with the supporters and this is evident post-match every week where, if needed, the Italian will encourage his squad to go over to the fans and thank them for their support.

"We need our fans. We need them," Maresca explained in September. "We need this kind of relationship with the players.

"I really like the moment at the end of the game when we win a game and we can share that moment with the fans. It is a nice moment for the players, it is a nice moment for the fans and even for us.

"Unfortunately, we cannot go there as a staff and enjoy that moment [but] we work every day to share that moment at the end with the fans so hopefully we can have that very soon at home and share with all of our fans. We need them away but even more for me at home because we need for them to be patient in some moments."

At Stamford Bridge, the atmosphere has generally improved this season - and that is down to what is happening on the pitch. The fans have undoubtedly got themselves on board with an attractive brand of football; one that is obvious and clear to anyone that watches a game.

The way Maresca has handled himself is working as well. The 44-year-old has been clear and transparent in every interview or press conference he has conducted thus far - something supporters really appreciate.

While Maresca has admitted there has been progress and development with his young group of players, he is not stupid and acknowledges this long-term project is nowhere near its completion just yet. Although, getting the fans on board is always integral to any project in football and the start Maresca has made on that front has been excellent.