Enzo Maresca’s Chelsea: From Circus to Contenders

When the 2024/2025 season began, not many people would have given Chelsea a chance to finish in the top four, let alone challenge for the title. I, in particular, wrote an article predicting they would finish 7th! Not because I doubted their ability or project, but because I saw Liverpool, Arsenal, Man City, Spurs and even Man Utd as more settled teams—especially considering Chelsea had a new manager and a squad of over 40 players at the start of the season.

So, how has Enzo Maresca turned what seemed destined to be a disastrous campaign into a surprise title charge? Here’s why:

1. Maresca’s Tactical Adaptability

Enzo Maresca’s tactical mastery has been the cornerstone of Chelsea’s resurgence. Drawing heavily from his experiences under Pep Guardiola at Manchester City, Maresca has implemented a system that balances defensive solidity and offensive creativity. His teams are fluid, capable of shifting between a 4-3-3 and 4-4-2 depending on the phase of play. Off the ball, Chelsea’s high press has been lethal, with the team ranking among the Premier League’s best in forcing turnovers that lead directly to goals. They are also topping the goal-scoring chats with 35 goals so far in the Premier League. No team has scored more. 

A standout feature is the use of inverted full-backs, which allows midfielders like Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernández to exploit spaces higher up the pitch while ensuring defensive coverage. Additionally, Maresca’s intricate positional play ensures Chelsea dominate possession, pinning opponents back and controlling games with authority.

In tough matches, his ability to adapt mid-game has been crucial. Against top sides like Arsenal and Tottenham, Chelsea’s tactical flexibility allowed them to neutralize key threats while creating openings to score, proving their ability to compete with the league’s elite.

2. Clearing Out the Deadwood

At the start of the season, Chelsea faced a logistical nightmare with over 40 players in their squad. Maresca, alongside the board, tackled this issue head-on by selling, loaning out, freezing out or releasing players who no longer fit the team’s vision. The departures of fringe players not only trimmed the squad but also fostered a more cohesive environment. This move has been pivotal in uniting the dressing room and creating a sense of shared purpose.

Key departures are Raheem Sterling, Trevor Chalobah and Conor Gallagher. The streamlined squad ensured players felt more involved, improving performances on the pitch. By shedding the deadweight, Chelsea regained focus and direction which is critical for achieving consistency.

3. Maintaining Two Competitive Teams

One of Maresca’s most ingenious strategies has been the effective use of squad rotation. Instead of relying on a fixed starting XI, he has built two competitive lineups tailored to the demands of the Premier League and the UEFA Conference League. This approach has minimized fatigue and injuries, enabling Chelsea to remain competitive on multiple fronts.

The strategy also fosters healthy competition within the squad. Players know that strong performances in one competition could earn them a spot in the Premier League lineup, pushing everyone to deliver their best. This has been particularly beneficial in maintaining high energy levels and ensuring tactical fluidity throughout a grueling season. For example players like Enzo, Sancho, Cucurella and Madueke who are bonafide first choice players have found themselves in the Conference League team after a drop in performance in the league. 

4. Players Stepping Up

Key players have stepped up in monumental ways, embodying the team’s transformation:

•          Marc Cucurella: Often criticized in past seasons, Cucurella has thrived under Maresca. His role as an inverted full-back has unlocked his ability to influence games both defensively and offensively. He’s arguably the best left back in the league this season. His improved positioning and contributions in attack have been critical in tight matches, showcasing his resurgence as a reliable and versatile player.

•          Moises Caicedo: A midfield dynamo, Caicedo has been the glue holding Chelsea together. His first season at the club was plagued with heavy criticism from media and fans alike but this season he is proving his doubters wrong. His defensive prowess, combined with his ability to transition play, has been pivotal. Whether breaking up opposition attacks or driving the team forward, Caicedo has been one of the standout performers in the league this season. 

•      Enzo Fernández: Already known for his exceptional technical ability, Fernández has elevated his game this season. Under Maresca, he has taken on a more advanced role, driving forward to create chances and contributing defensively when needed. His passing range, vision and ability to control the tempo of matches have made him the heartbeat of Chelsea’s midfield. Enzo’s growing leadership on the pitch, serving as Chelsea’s captain in Reece James’ continued absence, has also been instrumental in keeping the team focused.

            •          Nicolas Jackson: Jackson has flourished into one of the Premier League’s top strikers this season. His intelligent movement, lethal finishing and work rate have made him a nightmare for defenders. Beyond scoring goals, Jackson has also contributed by dropping deep to link up play and creating space for Chelsea’s wingers and attacking midfielders. His all-around performance has cemented him as one of the most complete forwards in the league this season with 8 goals and 3 assists so far.

5. The Impact of the Conference League

While often dismissed as a lesser competition, the UEFA Conference League has been a blessing in disguise for Chelsea. It provided Maresca with an opportunity to test tactics, integrate new players and build momentum without the intense pressure of the Premier League. Success in Europe has bolstered team morale and allowed fringe players to develop confidence and match sharpness.

Chelsea remain unbeaten in the UEFA Conference League group stages, scoring 21 goals across six matches while conceding only 4.  The team’s dominance in the competition has also fostered a winning mentality within the squad, which has translated into their impressive league performances. Their recent 3-1 win away to Astana FC in Kazakhstan, despite fielding seven academy players, is a testament to this.

6. The Additions of Neto and Sancho

Pedro Neto and Jadon Sancho have been transformative signings. Neto’s speed, directness and ability to deliver in key moments have added a much-needed cutting edge to Chelsea’s attack. His performances on the wing have consistently stretched defenses, creating space for others to exploit.

Sancho, on the other hand, brought creativity and finesse to Chelsea’s buildup play. A player deemed surplus to requirements at Manchester United, he seems to have regained his best form under Maresca. Known for his intelligent movement and sharp passing, Sancho has been instrumental in breaking down low blocks and providing assists in critical moments. Together, Neto (8 G/A) and Sancho (7 G/A) in all competitions have diversified Chelsea’s attacking threats, making them more unpredictable and dangerous.

7. Reduced Injuries

One of the most significant contributors to Chelsea’s resurgence this season has been the dramatic improvement in their injury record. During the 2023/24 season, Chelsea suffered one of the worst injury crises in the Premier League, with over 97 injuries leading to significant player absences throughout the campaign. This heavily disrupted their consistency and momentum.

However, a strategic overhaul of the medical team in the summer of 2024 has yielded impressive results. This season, Chelsea have reported just 15 injuries—the lowest in the league. This improvement is a testament to the club’s proactive approach to player fitness, focusing on injury prevention and tailored recovery programs.

The improved injury record has ensured key players like Romeo Lavia remain available for most of the season. However, the recurring injuries of captain Reece James remain a cause for concern. Resolving his injury problems would not only elevate Chelsea’s defensive stability but also provide an immense leadership boost on and off the pitch.

8. Cole Palmer’s Continued Impact

It helps for sure when you have someone as cool and “cold” as Cole Palmer in your team. The reigning PFA Young Player of the Year has continued right from where he left off last season, proving that he’s no one-season wonder. This season, playing more centrally, Palmer has been essential to Chelsea’s offensive setup. His technical ability, vision, creativity and clinical finishing have made him one of the best players in the league. With 11 goals and 6 assists in the Premier League so far, he’s demonstrated his ability to deliver when it matters most.

Palmer’s style is as impressive as his numbers. Highlights of his season include four first-half goals against Brighton, showcasing his lethal finishing, or his cheeky panenka penalty in a high-pressure London derby against Tottenham last Sunday, which brought the game to 3-2. His ability to produce three assists in a single game against Wolves is another example of his all-around contribution to the team. Palmer’s seamless combination play with Chelsea’s attacking players—whether it’s Jackson, Sancho, Madueke, Neto, Nkunku, or Mudryk—shows his adaptability and understanding of the game. His impact has been key to Chelsea’s success so far this season. Maresca truly has a jewel in his hands with Palmer.

Conclusion

Chelsea’s remarkable transformation under Enzo Maresca is a testament to the synergy between tactical innovation, squad management and individual brilliance. By addressing their glaring issues from the start of the season, the Blues have gone from a chaotic and disjointed team to genuine title challengers (Although Maresca himself won’t agree). While the league crown might still be a tall order, they will need a world-class goalkeeper and at least one solid center-back to effectively go all the way. Their resurgence has made one thing clear: Chelsea are back, and they mean business.