Chelsea are coming up to the midway point in their season, and the fact that Enzo Maresca is still in charge is a positive sign.
There were plenty of eyebrows raised when Enzo Maresca was appointed the Chelsea manager in the summer. Thankfully, the 44-year-old head coach has very quickly looked settled and in control at Stamford Bridge.
The Italian coach has exceeded plenty of expectations during his first crack as a Premier League manager. Everton’s Sean Dyche has applaued Maresca’s impact at Chelsea in his first few months in the dugout.
The Blues cruised through the Conference League group phase at a canter. Plus, Chelsea sit second in the league table over Christmas, which has come as a surprise to most supporters.
Matches Wins Draws Losses
27 15 5 4
Enzo Maresca’s record as Chelsea manager across all competitions
Enzo Maresca, Manager of Chelsea, celebrates after the team's victory during the Premier League match between Chelsea FC and Brentford FC at Stamfo...
Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images
What Brendan Rodgers said about Enzo Maresca in pre-season
Back in July 2024, Brendan Rodgers predicted big success for Maresca at Chelsea. The Celtic boss been spot on with his prediction so far.
“Enzo has come in having done very, very well at Leicester, getting them back to the Premier League, but Chelsea is a totally different challenge. The expectation around Chelsea, to be one of the most successful clubs in the world, that will still be there within the support base,” Rodgers said in the summer via Celtic’s official YouTube channel.
“They have got some fantastic players and I am sure Enzo and his staff will do a really, really good job there… Enzo will be very clear on how he wants to work.”
In a similar light, Carlo Ancelotti also backed Maresca for success as Chelsea manager.
MORE CHELSEA STORIES
Maresca may have had the support of some high-profile names in the game, but a large section of fans were quick to write him off before the season commenced. It’s superb to now see him steering the ship so well at Stamford Bridge.
Enzo Maresca was a winner at Leicester
Even though it was in England’s second division last season, Maresca still managed to guide Leicester City to promotion as title winners. The Championship is a notoriously difficult league to get out of, too.
Games Wins Draws Losses
53 36 4 13
Enzo Maresca’s record as Leicester manager across all competitions
Chelsea saw enough in Maresca’s success at Leicester to nab him in the summer and hand him the keys to a gigantic job with them.
The Italian had to overcome ups and downs at the King Power Stadium. For instance, his Foxes side lost three consecutive league matches in February during the thick of the promotion race. He showed composure, resolve and tactical nous to dig Leicester out of that hole, though.
It’s mainly been a smooth ride for Maresca during his first half a season at Chelsea, which is a credit to him and his staff, but let’s see how he handles more difficult challenges ahead.
Related Posts