Chelsea’s rapid descent from title contenders to battling for Champions League qualification has placed Enzo Maresca in the spotlight.
The team’s recent slump, including a 0-0 draw with Everton, a 2-1 loss to Fulham, and a 2-0 defeat by Ipswich, has shifted perceptions about their season.
Maresca’s First Major Challenge
Enzo Maresca, who took over as Chelsea’s manager in the summer, will face the press ahead of their upcoming match against Crystal Palace.
After Chelsea’s recent struggles, Maresca will no longer be asked about title hopes.
Instead, the focus will be on how he plans to turn things around after a series of disappointing results, especially with their hopes for Champions League qualification hanging by a thread.
This marks Maresca’s first big test since joining Chelsea.
Having previously distanced himself from club dramas, such as the Enzo Fernandez racism scandal and other controversies, Maresca now faces a challenge within his control—motivating his team and getting them back on track.
Players’ Attitude and Maresca’s Tactics Under Scrutiny
In the wake of their poor performance against Ipswich, questions have been raised about Chelsea’s approach.
A local Ipswich reporter noted that, during warm-ups, Chelsea seemed to lack intensity, going through the motions rather than preparing with focus.
Whether the team underestimated Ipswich or simply failed to match their opponent’s energy remains unclear, but the loss highlighted Chelsea’s weaknesses—especially as they failed to take advantage of several chances created during the game.
The younger Chelsea squad, under Maresca’s guidance, has been working to mature into a more competitive team.
However, recent performances have cast doubt on Maresca’s approach, particularly his strategy of publicly critiquing players, which may be backfiring when expectations aren’t met.
Tactical Issues and Struggles in Scoring
One of the biggest criticisms of Maresca’s Chelsea has been their lack of ruthlessness in front of goal.
Despite dominating possession in their recent matches—74% against Ipswich and 75% against Everton—the Blues failed to score in consecutive away games for the first time since 2019.
Opponents seem content to let Chelsea control the ball, knowing they struggle to break down defenses or capitalize on their possession.
A key moment in the Ipswich loss was a poor pass from defender Axel Disasi, which led to a goal for Ipswich.
This mistake exemplified Chelsea’s vulnerabilities, and it highlighted the growing concern that, despite possessing a talented squad, Maresca’s tactics might not be yielding the results needed.
Concerns Over Squad Depth and Substitutions
As Chelsea continues to falter, questions are being asked about Maresca’s management of his squad.
With so much talent at his disposal, including high-profile signings like Joao Felix, supporters are wondering why Maresca hasn’t rotated his players more effectively.
His reluctance to utilize substitutes in crucial moments, such as during the Ipswich match when he only made changes once they were 2-0 down, has raised concerns.
Injury Woes and Transfer Plans
Chelsea’s injury issues, particularly in defense, have added to Maresca’s challenges.
However, the club has confirmed that they are recalling 19-year-old Aaron Anselmino from his loan at Boca Juniors to provide additional defensive cover.
The January transfer window is open, but Chelsea insiders suggest they are not looking to make major signings just yet, preferring to address their issues through better tactical execution.
Despite the squad’s struggles, Maresca remains confident, even if fans and pundits are growing impatient.
Chelsea supporters are still holding out hope for a European spot, with 73% predicting they will qualify for the Champions League.
Maresca, however, would have gladly accepted a top-four finish in the summer, and a fifth-place finish may still be enough to secure Champions League qualification next season.
Looking Ahead to Crystal Palace
Chelsea will be hoping to turn their fortunes around in their upcoming match against Crystal Palace, with key players like Robert Sanchez and Jadon Sancho expected to return to the starting lineup.
While Chelsea’s last three victories at Selhurst Park came in dramatic fashion, Maresca would certainly prefer a more controlled performance this time to restore some optimism in the camp.
A win would be crucial to steadying the ship and reaffirming Chelsea’s ambitions for the season.
This article was published on TDPel Media. Thanks for reading!
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