Enzo Maresca: How Italian tactical maestro has reshaped Chelsea
Chelsea’s manager, Enzo Maresca. Photo Credit- LiveScore
The appointment of Enzo Maresca as Chelsea’s head coach in June 2024 faced skepticism, but by July 2025, he’s transformed the club, leading them to the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup finals and a fourth-place Premier League finish with 69 goals. His tactical brilliance, youth integration, and resilience have revived Chelsea, earning praise as a “Pep disciple,” according to football enthusiasts. This piece explores Maresca’s impact, challenges, and future.
Maresca’s 4-2-3-1, inspired by Pep Guardiola, emphasizes 59% possession and a 7.2 PPDA press, according to Opta Analyst. Chelsea’s 12 Club World Cup goals, led by Cole Palmer’s 3.2 key passes per 90, showcase fluidity. Inverted full-backs like Marc Cucurella and a Fernandez-Caicedo midfield pivot drive 7.2 corners per game. Football fans praised Maresca for his “Guardiola-esque control” seen in a 2-0 Fluminense win.
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Maresca streamlined Chelsea’s £1.2 billion squad, offloading Silva and Ziyech while integrating Joao Pedro and Liam Delap. His 4-1 Benfica rout and 2-1 Palmeiras win show cohesion, with 12 players contributing goals/assists. Youth like Levi Colwill and Tyrique George shine, with Chelsea fans praising Maresca’s “trust in kids.” Despite injuries to Fofana and Jackson’s inconsistency, Maresca’s adaptability using Chalobah and Adarabioyo secured 5 clean sheets in 6 wins.
Chelsea’s semifinal victory over Fluminense despite suspensions, highlights Maresca’s ability. His false-nine tactics with Joao Pedro create space for Palmer. With $40.5 million in prize money and a potential $125 million, Chelsea aim for global glory. Injuries and the lack of a clinical No. 9 limit Chelsea. The Club World Cup’s schedule risks burnout, but Maresca’s pursuit of more players faces FFP hurdles. Yet, his 17 Premier League wins and youth focus signal a dynasty.
Maresca’s 4-2-3-1, youth integration, and resilience have transformed Chelsea into Club World Cup finalists. Despite challenges, his “world-class” leadership, has fans dreaming. A potential $125 million title win could cement Maresca’s revolution, restoring Chelsea’s elite status.
