The Blues blitzed Gary O’Neil’s side with an exciting display of incisive, attacking football. We played with purpose and confidence from the off and, while some defensive frailties were on display in the first half, we asserted our authority after the break to run out convincing 6-2 winners.

‘In some moments we started to see our team,’ said Maresca.

‘There are many things the players are still learning. Sometimes we can play quicker, sometimes slower. It’s with time we are going to improve.

‘We started one-and-a-half months ago. When there is space in behind, we need to attack in behind. When teams sit back, there is no space in behind and it’s difficult. We need more passes, more process.

‘I want to see my team play the way we want to play, and compete every game. This is the most important thing. I want to see on the ball a clear idea of what they want; and off the ball, a very aggressive team.’

Maresca’s focus is not on finishing in a particular place in the table. Instead, the head coach wants to help each member of his squad maximise their enormous potential. From there, he hopes collective success will come.

‘For us, the target in this moment is to improve players. No-one from the club asked me to compete for the Premier League, or compete for a Champions League spot. They just asked me to improve the players, and improve the team. The most important thing is to be better game after game.

‘Also the target is to solve the economic problem in terms of selling players. From there, we try to do our best and see where we arrive.’