Enzo Maresca arrived at Chelsea F.C. with bold promise but so far this season the results have been all over the place. From blowing leads to dramatic comebacks, the club’s inconsistency is clear. Now word is that the hierarchy are already preparing for a change—lining up Andoni Iraola as Maresca’s possible replacement.
Internal tension builds behind the scenes
According to reports, trust in Maresca’s methods is wavering among senior staff. Some at the club are “not aligned” with his style and the path forward. The board appear to have drawn a line. If the club slips out of the top-four it activates contingency plans. Chelsea is currently sitting at ninth. They are also lagging in the title race. Even with the Champions League – the pressure is mounting.
The Iraola link grows stronger
Andoni Iraola is being tipped as a key candidate if Chelsea move on from Maresca. His work at AFC Bournemouth has impressed many. He had a strong league finish. He also has a clear playing style and organisational structure. Club insiders say Chelsea are “laying the groundwork”for a potential switch. It is suggestive that they’re preparing for both scenarios. Even if Maresca turns things around, or maybe not.
Investment in attack but a defence still shaky
The squad is battling inconsistency. It hasn’t helped that injuries are piling up. The recruitment hasn’t solved all problems. Big outlays and signings have been made. Despite that the back-line remains vulnerable. The tactical direction is also under question. The result: a club that wins big one week and struggles the next. For a side of Chelsea’s ambition, that rhythm is untenable.
Author’s Insight
What I see is a club at a crossroads. Chelsea could back Maresca and ride the wave of his vision—but that wave seems unsteady. Or they could make the leap now, bring in someone like Iraola, and sharpen their identity. Either way, the next few months matter. For Maresca, time is already a luxury. For Chelsea, it’s not just about the next big result—it’s about whether they build something lasting. If the instability continues, they’ll look back and know they delayed the decision too long. But if Maresca holds firm and the squad responds, this phase might be the turning point.
As featured on Chelseanews.com