Chelsea’s head coach Enzo Maresca exudes palpable confidence, determined to build on a fiercely successful inaugural campaign. With momentum behind them, the Blues are gearing up for a new challenge—and their manager is leading with conviction and ambition.
Maresca’s optimistic tone stems from a summer packed with triumphs. Chelsea clinched the FIFA Club World Cup in July, delivering a commanding 3–0 win over European champions Paris Saint-Germain in the final.
Their pre-season form only added to the excitement. The Blues triumphed over Leverkusen 2–0 and later thrashed AC Milan 4–1—both matches delivered with intensity and cohesion.
Speaking after the win against Milan, Maresca reflected on both the performance and his mindset heading into the new term: “I think the performance was very good until the red card. We started the way we wanted – intense and with a high tempo on and off the ball,” he said. Emphasising the growth within himself, he added, “I’m confident in general and excited. We have another long season ahead and we are going to try to do our best.”
This blend of confidence and realism underscores Maresca’s approach—one rooted in preparation and vision. He draws on the momentum of last season, a campaign that transformed the narrative around Chelsea.
In his debut year, Maresca guided Chelsea to the UEFA Conference League title with a resounding 4–1 victory over Real Betis, making them the first club ever to win all three major UEFA competitions. Shortly after, he added the expanded Club World Cup to the trophy cabinet, further establishing Chelsea’s resurgence on the global stage.
Yet victory didn’t come without challenges. Mid-season slumps sparked fan frustration and criticism over tactics, with some questioning the team’s stylistic direction. Maresca, however, remained undeterred, defending his approach and urging supporters to trust the process.
Backed by ownership and the club hierarchy, Maresca enters this season with renewed credibility. Reports suggest Chelsea remains “absolutely convinced” he is the right man for the job, with Maresca deeply involved in summer planning and recruitment.
Still, the road ahead holds challenges. The recent ACL injury to Levi Colwill, a key defensive figure, represents a major setback ahead of the campaign.
The club’s ability to adapt will be tested further as they balance domestic expectations with continental ambitions, especially following a limited pre-season due to their late exit from the off-season calendar.
Nonetheless, the squad appears deeper and more cohesive than ever. New additions like Joao Pedro and Liam Delap made immediate impacts, both scoring in the Milan match, reinforcing Maresca’s rotational options and attacking depth.