Chelsea entered the 2024-2025 season in 6th place in the 2023-2024 season, along with a ticket to the Europa Conference League. That was the time when disappointment reached its peak because more than 1 billion USD of owner Todd Boehly was poured into the transfer market, but in 2 years, The Blues only tended to retreat but did not see any progress.
The beginning of the season was Chelsea's most crisis period in terms of personnel. When the list for the first team was ready, the Stamford Bridge team had up to 50 names. A surplus crisis has appeared right before our eyes. It is a matter of exaggeration, if not resolved quickly, Chelsea will suffer a career salary cap and countless penalties will be reduced.
In that context, captain Enzo Maresca himself was also suspected of not being capable enough to lead a team in crisis, especially the great pressure on achievements from the owners. Instead of choosing to handle it hotly and inadequately, the Italian captain chose the personnel division option to make it easier to manage. In the end, this method was effective.
As soon as he received a large number of personnel, Maresca divided a group to play in the Conference League. Among the 27 players participating in the European Third Division Cup, there are no appearances of some stars from the first team such as Cole Palmer, Wesley Fofana and Romeo Lavia. From the first minutes, Maresca had made it clear that the nature of this playground was not important. Palmer's withdrawal has helped the English striker save a lot of energy and focus on the Premier League main field.
The players who are no longer suitable, often called "surplus players" by fans, have been almost completely liquidated. In the 6 friendly matches before the season, only Raheem Sterling (who was loaned to Arsenal) was not in the plan. The decision to sell Conor Gallagher was also controversial.
In contrast, Maresca has kept promising young talents such as Levi Colwill, demonstrating the club's commitment to developing the academy. This summer transfer window marked the end of a shopping cycle that had lasted for the previous four. Chelsea's current squad is almost completely rebuilt, the result of a calculated and strategic building process from Maresca and his colleagues.
Under the leadership of the 44-year-old strategist, Chelsea has not only changed in terms of personnel but also shaped a modern style of play, bearing his tactical mark. The Blues are now a combination of solid possession play and effective high-pressing ability.
Enzo Maresca constantly emphasizes the philosophy: "When attacking, be ready to defend." He also shared that this idea was inspired by Pep Guardiola, helping Chelsea minimize risks against counter-attacks while bringing balance between attack and defense. What Chelsea have shown on the pitch is not just football but also strategic calculation, careful preparation and a flexible mindset.
In particular, Enzo Maresca constantly improves the players, both individually and collectively. The midfield trio of Romeo Lavia, Enzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo are gradually proving their superior value with the ability to control the match and support effective defense. Up front, Nicolas Jackson has matured from a striker with many limitations to a key factor.
The London side are benefiting from not having to play in many major tournaments. Unlike opponents like Liverpool, Arsenal or Man City, they do not have to face the heavy pressure from the match schedule. This helps the key players maintain better form and fitness.
However, Chelsea's biggest challenge is their ability to maintain stability against unexpected opponents. This season's Premier League feels different from recent seasons when big teams have shown instability at times. In addition, phenomena like Nottingham Forest are ready to become a road traffic jam at any time.
When Chelsea won the Premier League 8 years ago, they also started the season in a state of chaos. This time, fans expect the same thing to happen again even though Liverpool are a huge obstacle ahead.
