After round 14, Chelsea are second in the Premier League table, seven points behind Liverpool and ahead of Arsenal on goal difference. Despite having lost just two games since the start of the season (against Man City and Liverpool), Enzo Maresca insists his team are not ready to compete for the title.
"We are not ready to compete with Liverpool, Arsenal or Man City" - the Italian strategist emphasized.
The statement is not just a way to relieve pressure, it also represents a realistic view of Chelsea’s place in the overall picture of English football. Maresca admits that Arsenal – who have been hot on City’s heels for the past two seasons – are on a more solid footing, while the Blues are only just beginning their rebuilding phase.
When Enzo Maresca took charge at Stamford Bridge, he was faced with a bloated, unbalanced squad and unrealistic expectations from fans. He and sporting directors Paul Winstanley and Laurence Stewart quickly implemented a bold restructuring plan.
The players who were no longer fit, what fans often refer to as the “surplus squad”, have been largely cleared out. In the six pre-season friendlies, only Raheem Sterling (now on loan) was left out of the plans. The decision to sell Conor Gallagher was also controversial. Maresca, on the other hand, has retained promising young talents such as Levi Colwill, demonstrating the club’s commitment to developing its academy. The summer transfer window marked the end of a shopping cycle that spanned four previous windows. Chelsea’s current squad is almost entirely rebuilt, the result of a calculated and strategic build-up.
Under Maresca, Chelsea have not only transformed their players but also developed a modern style of play, bearing his tactical imprint. The Blues now combine solid possession play with effective high pressing.
Enzo Maresca constantly emphasizes the philosophy: “When you attack, be ready to defend.” He also shared that this idea was inspired by Pep Guardiola, helping Chelsea minimize the risk of counter-attacks while bringing balance between attack and defense. What Chelsea shows on the field is not just football but also strategic calculation, careful preparation and a flexible mindset.
In particular, Enzo Maresca has continuously improved the players, both individually and collectively. The midfield trio of Romeo Lavia, Enzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo are gradually proving their superiority with their ability to control the game and support the defense effectively. Up front, Nicolas Jackson has grown from a limited striker to a key player.
Even Mykhailo Mudryk, a player whose ability was once doubted, is now showing progress. Most notably, Cole Palmer, who Maresca boldly adjusted from the right wing to the "number 10" position. This change not only maximizes Palmer's creativity but also reduces Chelsea's dependence on one individual.
Maresca is not the type of coach who is only interested in winning in the short term. He puts the long-term vision first. When asked about his goals, the former Leicester captain shared that the board did not ask him to win titles immediately, but instead to build a team with a clear identity and sustainable development.
Maresca’s journey has not been without its challenges. Premier League opponents are increasingly aware of Chelsea’s style of play. A busy Christmas schedule will be a real test for this young squad. The Blues will also need to avoid a mid-season slump – something that happened when Maresca was in charge of Leicester.
However, what Maresca has achieved in such a short time is undeniable. He has transformed Chelsea from a chaotic group into a stable team with a clear identity. With his calmness in the midst of the storm, Maresca is shaping a Chelsea that can become a major force in English football, not just now but for many years to come.
