Enzo Maresca sent familiar Chelsea warning as Mauricio Pochettino concern outlined

Former Chelsea midfielder Glenn Hoddle has warned that the atmosphere among the squad could sour around the busy Christmas and New Year period despite a good start to life under Enzo Maresca.

Much was claimed about the squad being bloated prior to the season starting but putting the defeat to to one side, men had not suffered a loss in all competitions before Sunday. competed well with on Sunday but Arne Slot's more experienced side showed their quality in a 2-1 victory at Anfield.

The atmosphere around the Chelsea camp appears to be positive at present but Hoddle warned on TNT Sports prior to the clash with Panathinaikos in the Conference League that some discontent could be around the corner as we head towards the festive season. "If Chelsea was a racehorse, they’re in good form and they’re getting better and better by the way," he emphasised.

"I still say there’s a period between now and Christmas just going through Christmas where you will need the squad. There’s a lot of football to be played and he’s got a deep squad.

"When you come through Christmas and New Year, a lot of players now, that are playing tonight funnily enough, will look and say I’m not first-team choice here. That is the key.

"That’s the question mark which had and . Now they’re all battling away and think ‘I can get in that best team and I’ve got an opportunity.’

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"But when there’s a period of time and it goes back…as I said if there was a cup final tomorrow it would be interesting to see which team he’d pick. Players would say: ‘I’m not happy and I want more football.’

"Then you might have this come back again. It’s only stable at the moment because they’re getting results with some really good performances.

"It’s positive, no doubt about it. Is everything hunky dory? That’ll be [decided] in the New Year."