There’s not too many people that had huge faith in Enzo Maresca making a quick start at Chelsea this season.
When Enzo Maresca was appointed Chelsea manager in the summer, there were plenty of sceptics. In fairness, the 44-year-old Italian head coach guided Leicester City to promotion from the Championship last season, but this role at Stamford Bridge is his first as the lead man at a Premier League club.
So far, Maresca has won nine of his opening 15 games across all competitions in charge of the Blues. The team’s return of 17 points from nine league games to put them fifth in the division table deserves a big tick.
Gary Lineker has been impressed by Maresca’s start at Chelsea. In particular, he praised the “ruthless” nature he’s already shown in the manager’s dugout, making some big decisions with high-profile players.
Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink has spotted Enzo Maresca influence at Chelsea
Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink, the former Chelsea striker, is equally impressed by what he’s seen from the Blues in the opening few months of the 2024/25 campaign.
He’s actually made an interesting tactical observation about Maresca’s side and the way they try to exploit space in behind.
When discussing Maresca’s impact at Chelsea, Hasselbaink told the BBC’s Planet Premier League podcast: “I like everything, really. I see an identity, I see patterns and I see an idea behind what they’re doing.
“They’re trying to suck the opposition in to get space behind the opposition. I can see runners and I see somebody that is tough on the players. There is an expectation and there is a demand but you’re not hearing bad things coming out about Chelsea at the moment.”
Craig Burley also flagged Chelsea’s attack is quicker and more direct under Maresca, which is leading to more entertaining football and more goals.
Chelsea have the speed to rip through sides
If opposition teams allow space in behind against Chelsea, they could really suffer this season.
The Chelsea squad includes speed demons such as Pedro Neto, Nicolas Jackson, Mykhailo Mudryk and Noni Madueke. Interestingly, Neto was recorded as Chelsea’s fastest player this season, but this was at the start of last month.
It’ll be interesting to see if Man United player into the Blues’ hands in Sunday’s match by opening up and pressing them up the pitch. If so, the likes of Jackson and Neto could have a field day on the Old Trafford pitch.
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