Enzo Maresca
Enzo Maresca is under pressure again (Image: Getty Images)
Chelsea are a hard team to judge this season. One minute they're toppling heavyweights like Liverpool and PSG, and the next they're struggling to see off lower-league sides like Lincoln City. Wednesday's League Cup meeting with Wolves perfectly summed up the Blues' unpredictable nature. They stormed into a 3-0 lead, with youngsters Estevao, Andrey Santos and Jamie Gittens dazzling early on, only to almost squander their lead through sloppy defending and disciplinary issues.
Wolves hit back with two goals after the break before Liam Delap - returning from a long injury layoff - was dismissed for two rapid yellow cards, incredibly becoming Chelsea's sixth man to see red this season. A brilliant strike from Gittens on the cusp of stoppage time ultimately sealed the win, but Wolves struck again moments later to make the finale far more anxious than it needed to be. The contest underlined both Chelsea's attacking flair and their chronic inconsistency. Injuries have certainly played a role, yet boss Enzo Maresca still faces increasing pressure to get the team properly motoring as the campaign moves into its crucial phase. With that in mind, here's the latest from Stamford Bridge.
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Maresca replacement 'lined up'
Reports suggest Chelsea are considering Bournemouth coach Andoni Iraola as a possible replacement for Maresca if they opt to make a managerial switch.
Confidence in the Italian remains - for now - but friction is reportedly growing internally, with several key figures at the club said to be 'not aligned' with his philosophy.
No one at Stamford Bridge realistically expects the Blues, currently sitting ninth, to mount a title charge this season. However, missing out on Champions League qualification could force the board's hand. While senior leadership acknowledges the impact of injuries and a pre-season disrupted by the Club World Cup, patience could wear thin if the erratic results continue into 2025.
Andoni Iraola in Bournemouth training
Andoni Iraola is reportedly admired by Chelsea (Image: Robin Jones - AFC Bournemouth via Getty Images)
According to Caught Offside, Chelsea are already 'laying the groundwork' for a potential change and are ready to act if performances do not improve - and Iraola, who has also drawn interest from Manchester United, is reportedly the leading candidate.
The Spaniard has received major plaudits for his achievements at Bournemouth, guiding the Cherries to 12th and 9th-place finishes in his first two full campaigns. This season, they sit second in the table - four points off Arsenal - having suffered just one defeat in their opening nine matches.
Chelsea targeting goal machine
Chelsea are said to be pushing for a move to sign Strasbourg striker Joaquin Panichelli, taking advantage of their ownership connection to gain an edge in negotiations. The 23-year-old Argentine forward has also attracted attention from Barcelona and AC Milan after a blistering start to the campaign.
Panichelli only arrived at Strasbourg in July but has already made a huge impression. He's scored nine times in 10 Ligue 1 games - just one short of Erling Haaland's Premier League tally this season - including a stunning brace against PSG that highlighted his sharp finishing and intelligent movement.
Chelsea view the striker as both a smart long-term signing and a potential financial asset. While both Chelsea and Strasbourg are part of the BlueCo network - controlled by Todd Boehly and Behdad Eghbali - any transfer must still meet 'fair market value' to satisfy regulatory requirements. In short, Chelsea can't simply pick him up on the cheap.
Joaquin Panichelli
Joaquin Panichelli could be on his way to Chelsea soon (Image: Getty Images)
Timing, though, could benefit them. Earlier this year, Chelsea completed a similar arrangement for defender Mamadou Sarr, paying £12million and immediately loaning him back to Strasbourg. That move was intended to anticipate a rise in his valuation, and the same strategy could be used with Panichelli.
The Argentine could also fill a clear on-field need. Joao Pedro's early-season spark has faded, while Liam Delap is still regaining fitness after his setback - leaving the Blues short up front. Whether Panichelli arrives as a starting No. 9 or a depth option, he would represent an exciting and potentially vital signing.
Palmer return date
Maresca has confirmed that Cole Palmer will be unavailable until December as he continues to recover from a lingering groin injury.
Cole Palmer
Cole Palmer won't be back until December (Image: Getty Images)
The England international has missed the last eight fixtures, having been sidelined since September with what the club has called a "chronic" issue. There had been optimism he might return soon after the October international window, but Maresca has now ruled him out for at least another month.
Speaking before Chelsea's match against Tottenham on Saturday, Maresca reiterated his stance: "His [injury] timeline is exactly the same. The idea is for him to return in December," Maresca said.
Palmer's absence has been significant. The 23-year-old contributed to 38 percent of Chelsea's Premier League goals last season - and 43 percent in 2023/24. His creativity, calmness and decision-making in the final third have been sorely missed, but fans will need to wait a little longer for his comeback.