Chelsea’s decision to sack Enzo Maresca still feels surprising to many supporters. While the ending was messy, his time at Stamford Bridge deserves a fair look. Trophies were won, Champions League football returned, and for the first time in a while, Chelsea actually had a clear footballing identity. So what did Maresca really do at Chelsea — and where might he go next?
Trophies and Tangible Progress
The biggest positive from Maresca’s reign was simple: he won silverware.Chelsea lifted the UEFA Conference League, dominating Real Betis 4–1 in the final in 2025 . It might not be the Champions League, but it was still a European trophy and a clear step forward for a club trying to rebuild confidence.That success was followed by victory in the FIFA Club World Cup, where Chelsea beat Paris Saint-Germain 3–0. Winning two trophies in such a short spell immediately put Maresca in elite company and showed he could handle big occasions.
In the league, Maresca guided Chelsea to a top-four Premier League finish, securing Champions League qualification. After years of inconsistency, this felt like real progress. Results were not always perfect, but Chelsea were competitive again against the league’s best sides.
Maresca’s Tactical Identity
One of Maresca’s biggest contributions was giving Chelsea a clear tactical structure. His teams were organised, patient in possession, and heavily influenced by positional play. Main Formations he used at Chelsea : 4-3-3 (Base system). Used most often, especially in league matches focused on:
* A single pivot midfielder controlling the tempo
* Two advanced midfielders supporting attacks
* Wingers holding width to stretch defences
This system helped Chelsea dominate possession and build attacks slowly from the back in a 3-2-4-1 (In possession shape). One of Maresca’s trademarks often formed when full-backs stepped into midfield gave Chelsea numerical control in midfield, better passing angles and more players between the lines.This setup was key in European matches, where Chelsea often controlled games with patience rather than speed. Maresca used 4-2-3-1 (Situational / defensive balance) that was used against stronger opponents or when protecting a lead. Added defensive stability while keeping an attacking midfielder behind the striker. While critics sometimes called his football “slow” or “predictable,” it was clearly structured and deliberate.
Maresca worked with a young squad and wasn’t afraid to trust emerging talent. Academy players were given opportunities, and senior players were pushed into leadership roles. Reece James, in particular, benefited from renewed responsibility when fit. Chelsea finally looked like a team building toward something rather than constantly restarting.
Why It Fell Apart
Despite the positives, the final months were rough. Chelsea’s league form dipped, results became inconsistent, and some fans grew frustrated with the cautious style of play. Reports of tension with the club’s hierarchy didn’t help either. In the end, Chelsea chose short-term change over long-term patience.
What’s Next for Enzo Maresca?
Maresca’s reputation hasn’t been damaged — if anything, it’s grown. Possible next steps include:Premier League clubs with European ambitions looking for tactical structure.A future role at Manchester City, should an opening appear. Other options are Serie A or La Liga clubs where his possession-based style could thrive. A manager who wins trophies and qualifies for the Champions League rarely stays unemployed for long.
Enzo Maresca’s time at Chelsea shouldn’t be remembered as a failure. He delivered trophies, restored Champions League football, and gave the club a clear identity. While the ending was disappointing, the foundation he laid was real.Wherever he goes next, Maresca will arrive as a proven winner — and Chelsea may yet look back and wonder if they pulled the trigger too soon. Spurs and Newcastle United might eject Thomas Frank and Eddie Howe to get Maresca. While Chelsea are rumoured to have a few candidates as reported by the BBC.
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