Enzo Maresca is expected to usher in a new era of success at Stamford Bridge.
Having guided Leicester City to the Championship title last season, Maresca quickly topped Chelsea’s shortlist of candidates to replace the Argentine tactician.
Laurence Stewart and Paul Winstanley, Chelsea’s co-sporting directors, said: “We are delighted to welcome Enzo to Chelsea. He has proven himself to be an excellent coach capable of delivering impressive results with an exciting and identifiable style.
“Enzo has deeply impressed us in our discussions leading up to his appointment. His ambitions and work ethic align with those of the club. We thoroughly look forward to working with him.”
What can Maresca bring to Chelsea?
Enzo Maresca’s tactical approach prioritizes possession and positional play, as evident during his time at Leicester in the Championship. His team’s patient build-up from the back, involving the goalkeeper as a key player, allowed for a possession-heavy style without sacrificing goal-scoring opportunities. Leicester scored an impressive 89 goals, only surpassed by Ipswich.
Maresca favoured a 4-3-3 formation at Leicester, although he has used a 4-2-3-1 as well at points. His tactics feature a deep-lying playmaker to recycle possession and dictate the pace, with midfielders pushing forward to make runs behind the opposition’s defense.
His Forwards stay high and wide, with the central striker dropping deep to support build-up. When they lose the ball, Maresca’s team presses quickly and high to regain possession, before dropping back into a 4-4-2 formation with a central midfielder pushing up alongside the striker to win the ball back.
Maresca’s emphasis on control and positional play has shaped his team’s identity, showcasing an attractive and effective brand of football.
As long as Enzo Maresca gets his targets, Chelsea fans can expect to watch exciting, possession-based football next season.
