According to reports coming out of England, Enzo Maresca’s future as Chelsea’s head coach is not in question. This is irrespective of the club’s performances in their last three games. Whether or not the Blues qualify for next season’s Champions League will not change the board’s long-term commitment to Maresca.
Chelsea have the toughest Premier League tests against Manchester United and Nottingham Forest ahead of them. They need to win both games to ensure a top-five finish and Champions League qualification.
To be deprived of Champions League football would be inwardly experienced as a disappointment. However, it wouldn’t be seen as a failure of the kind to bring about desperate managerial upheaval. Maresca, who inked a five-year deal over the summer, will be afforded at least two full seasons before any meaningful performance evaluation.
Chelsea’s leadership remains committed to this agenda, viewing developments this season as encouraging. Even as other English and European clubs have inquired, Chelsea have no plans to replace Maresca with the results of the next three games. Furthermore, the forthcoming Club World Cup in America guarantees that the Europa Conference League final will not be viewed as this season’s last major game.
There will be a thorough assessment of the season with emphasis on where adjustments need to be made. But unless some unforeseen situation arises, Maresca’s future won’t be settled in full before the end of next season. Only repeated failure to qualify for the Champions League will initiate a rethink.
Chelsea’s approach to Maresca is contrary to their approach to his predecessor, Mauricio Pochettino. The current USA head coach left last summer following a season review, despite having a year remaining on his deal.
How Enzo Maresca Has Improved Chelsea
Since Maresca’s arrival, Chelsea’s luck has changed, and the side has remained in the top five throughout most of the season. There is also respect for the way he has handled injury problems, especially Nicolas Jackson’s and Marc Guiu’s time off since the winter transfer window closed.
If Maresca stays at Chelsea beyond this season, he will be the longest-serving head coach under Todd Boehly-Clearlake Capital ownership. This will break precedents set by predecessors Thomas Tuchel, Graham Potter, and Mauricio Pochettino.
Maresca can also sign off his first season in style with some silverware, as the Blues will play in the Europa Conference League final against Real Betis.