Chelsea fans were dreaming big just a few months ago. Enzo Maresca had transformed their team into genuine title challengers.
The Blues climbed as high as second in the Premier League around the middle of the 2024-25 campaign. His possession-based style seemed to click instantly with a young and hungry squad.
The Fast Start That Sparked Hope
Chelsea’s strong start under Enzo Maresca turned heads across England and Europe. The players bought into his methods quickly. The team’s ability to dominate games with an incisive offence looked set to have them challenging for the Premier League title.
Cole Palmer was the key player in this system. He linked midfield and attack with flair, creating chances at will. At one point, Chelsea were even tipped as Manchester City’s main rivals for the Premier League crown.
However, as the season has progressed, reality has started to bite. The intensity has dropped, results have wobbled, and some tactical flaws have emerged.
Defensive Issues and Tactical Concerns
One of the biggest concerns is Chelsea’s inconsistency at the back. Despite boasting some of the league’s most promising defenders, the Blues have looked shaky under pressure. Teams have started to exploit the gaps, and the Blues seem to be out of answers.
Opponents now seem to have a better read on how to nullify Chelsea’s build-up play. When pressed aggressively, the team sometimes loses shape and composure. This has led to a string of unconvincing performances, especially against bottom-half sides.
The Cole Palmer Conundrum
Cole Palmer was flying high early in the season. His vision, technique, and ability to find space made him a focal point. He was key to Maresca’s early success.
Yet, opposition managers have since adapted. They are now assigning extra markers to track Palmer. As a result, he has found it harder to influence games.
Moreover, Chelsea’s over-reliance on Palmer has become evident. When he is off form, the entire team suffers. This one-dimensionality has raised questions about squad depth and tactical flexibility. Maresca must now find ways to get more players involved in attacking build-up play.
The Importance of Patience and Perspective
While recent performances have been frustrating, it is important to remember the bigger picture. Chelsea (1.60) remain fifth in the Premier League. This would be enough for UEFA Champions League qualification in 2025-26 due to the new rule allowing five English teams.
Given how turbulent the past few seasons have been at Stamford Bridge, this marks progress. Maresca has instilled a clear identity, something the club lacked under previous managers.
Patience is crucial. Building a title-winning team takes time, especially with a young squad. Even Pep Guardiola and Mikel Arteta needed multiple transfer windows to get their systems fully functional.
Maresca’s tactical philosophy is demanding. It requires intelligence, composure, and repetition. With time, the players will improve in key areas like transitions and decision-making under pressure.
Still on Course for Champions League Return
Despite the recent blip, Chelsea are well-placed to finish in the top five. If Maresca’s side can stabilise and pick up momentum in the final stretch, they should return to Europe’s elite competition. That would boost morale, attract better signings, and increase commercial revenues.
It would also please fans who engage in online sports betting. Many may have backed Chelsea for a top-four finish after their early-season run. A Champions League place would at least partly justify that faith.
Final Verdict: Maresca Deserves More Time
Enzo Maresca is still the right man for Chelsea. His vision is clear, and his early results showed that it can work. Setbacks are part of any long-term project, especially at a club in transition.
The fans’ expectations may have soared too quickly. But if the board and supporters remain patient, Chelsea can reap the rewards. Champions League qualification would be a significant step forward.
There is still magic in Maresca’s methods. It just needs time to shine through again.
