'It was a bit of a shock, but it was good'
Chelsea defender Josh Acheampong has admitted his "shock" that manager Enzo Maresca knew him during pre-season.
The Italian prepared a dossier when interviewing for the Chelsea job last summer which included an evaluation of every player in the first team and academy sides.
After his appointment, Maresca called up academy players Acheampong and Tyrique George for a pre-season tour in the United States, and the pair were promoted to senior squad roles on a permanent basis in December.
Asked whether he was surprised Maresca knew him, Acheampong said: "Yes. I remember the first day. I was like, 'Hi, I'm Josh', and he was like, 'I know who you are'.
"So it was a bit of a shock, but it was good. He's really positive. He gives me a lot of encouragement."
"When I first joined up with the team, he told me what he wants from me, what I can improve on, what I do well.
"It was a good experience, being in the States, playing in big stadiums. It was kind of like the start of the journey."
Maresca has repeatedly said he "loves" Acheampong, first when the club exiled the defender from the first team during contract negotiations, until he signed a new five-year deal in December.
Acheampong admits he got a "bit of stick" over it, but added: "It was really good to hear, to be fair. It gave me a lot of confidence."
The 19-year-old has featured in seven of Chelsea's 12 games in the Conference League this season and hopes to play a part in Wednesday's final against Real Betis in Wroclaw.
He said the tournament has served as a "stepping stone into men's football", adding: "Hopefully we can go all the way."
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While not a huge deal to me, shipping was incredibly fast!" —Beth"The shoes are very comfortable, even when you're wearing them in very hot and humid days, when the feet tend to get swollen. They also look great! They're very elegant." —Raquel them from Vivaia for $129. A vintage-inspired pair of pointy-toe flats Sam Edelman's Nico skimmer has a select number of extremely positive reviews at Zappos, all speaking to its comfort and eye-catching design. The velvet upper is ready for a night out, and a mammoth gilded buckle offers a sculptural twist on a vintage-inspired detail. Get these in sizes 6–10 and two reviews: 'I went to an event where I had to stand all night. The shoes were so comfortable, not to mention cute' —Charmagne'I have 8 different pair of the Brit, the mule this flat is similar to. These flats are padded inside and sooooo comfy. True to size... Sam, make these in a million colors. I'll buy them all!' —GodivagrrlGet them from Zappos for $78 (originally $130). 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But for a long night of standing, you're feet will not hurt.' —AnonymousGet them from Zappos for $109.95 (originally $145). A pair of rhinestone-adorned slingbacks Add some sparkle to your feet with these beautiful Elizabet Tang slingback flats. They're designed with soft cushioned soles to support your feet while remaining secure thanks to an adjustable ankle strap. They're available in a range of colors in sizes 6– reviews: "This sleek style kicks in an unbelievable fashion statement. These shoes are very comfortable and stylish. I received many compliments. Wish they came in navy blue." —Jackie Johnson"Absolutely beautiful. Wear these shoes to church on Easter. I got so many compliments. Comfortable shoes with a whole lot of style." —Bsongbyrd"Affordable and pretty. Super cute. Wore them for my wedding. Very comfortable." —Krizia Kracker"Because these are so comfortable I'm compelled to write a review. Never had much luck with getting shoes online but read so many reviews about how comfortable and stylish they were, so heck, gave them a folks were right! Wore them first day right out of the box ALL DAY. Was traveling so brought a pair of comfortable flats just in case. Didn't need 'em. Not only comfortable but cute too - look good on and made nicely. What a nice surprise." —SJEGet them from Amazon for $39.99. A pair of jelly designer doppëlgangers Call me funny, but I think these Melissa jelly ballet flats could easily be mistaken for Miu Miu flats. They're made in Melissa's signature semi-transparent PVC material and have a molded pleat detail at the toe and a bow that makes them look like a classic ballet slipper. How fun would these be paired with a super fancy dress? They're playful and cheeky, not to mention comfortable and waterproof. They're available in sizes 5–10, three colors and selling out reviews: "I am over the moon with this shoes!! It's super comfortable! Feels like you're wearing nothing on your feet. Loved it 🥰" —Sheila M."I've always loved ballet flats and these did not disappoint. I especially love the strap! These are so comfy and easy to put on. They are a jelly like material but more soft and flexible than regular jelly shoes. The sole is very padded and cushy. I usually wear 6.5 in sneakers/boots and got these in a size 6, they're perfect! I also have wide ish feet and don't feel squished" —Yaknowho"These are absolutely gorgeous and super comfortable. So many compliments every time I wear them. I will definitely get another color!" —Carolina C. Get them from Urban Outfitters for $79. A pair of slingbacks with a chic asymmetrical vamp strap Made with a cushioned footbed that mirrors the contours of the foot, this sexy slingback has a lovely design and a pop of metal on the heel that gives it a ton of visual interest. It's made with soft leather and comes in three different widths so you can find your perfect fit. It's available in three colors and in sizes 5– reviews: "These shoes were perfect. I had a conference to attend where I was on my feet for 6 hours a day and walking miles on hard convention center concrete floors. These were extremely comfortable and dressy so they matched my business suits well. I wish they came in more colors." —Sarouche"Finally comfort with style. I have arthritis in the tops of my feet and ankles, it has been quite a journey finding a stylish shoe that comes in a wide width and looks as good as it feels." —Edy KK"I have several events to attend but am recovering from a stress fracture in my foot. I took a chance on these based on the reviews and they did not disappoint. I was on my feet for hours and the shoes remained comfortable. It's the first pointed toe shoe that I've been able to wear. Get them if you can!" —Momof4NYGet them from Nordstrom for $120. 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A pair of truly romantic ballet flats from Reformation While these beautiful shoes are also available in a foggy blue suede and snakeskin, the glimmering silver hue is perfect for formal events, adding a bit of shimmering oomph to any outfit. They're made with a soft foil metallic leather that is super shiny and has an interesting textured surface. You can get these in sizes 5–11. Get them from Reformation for $201 (originally $268). A pair of faux leather ballet flats with straps If you're into something quirky and bold, take a look at these padded ballerina flats from Yume Yume. They have a wraparound tie strap that you can weave up your legs and a fun padded silhouette that gives them an almost cartoon-like look without feeling silly or detracting from formality. If, like me, you love a funky shoe, this is the way to go while preserving the sanctity of your foot comfort. You can get these in Italian sizes 35–41 in black, white or them from Ssense for $149+ (originally $355). A pair of jazzy flats with ankle straps and metal eyelets Add a whole lot of pizzazz to your look with these patent faux-leather flats from Ganni. They have a detachable chain with a logo charm so you can customize your luck, plus eyelets at the bow and ankle strap. It has a very low stacked rubber block heel that gives you just the right amount of height and support. These shoes are a fun spin on your everyday flats and are available in sizes 35– them from Ssense for $158 (originally $395).
