Chelsea’s trip to Burnley last Saturday was very significant for Enzo Maresca, and not just because it saw his side move to second in the table.
Following their 2-0 victory at Turf Moor, Maresca has now reached 50 Premier League games as Chelsea manager.
Given the Blues’ history with sacking head coaches, it is an impressive milestone.
Are you happy with Enzo Maresca as Chelsea manager?
It should not be too much of a surprise, though. After just one match in charge, Maresca looked capable of achieving success at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea team celebrating Burnley win
Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images
Chelsea went toe-to-toe with Manchester City in Enzo Maresca’s first game in charge
Maresca’s first Premier League match as Chelsea boss could not have been tougher. The Italian had to face the champions Manchester City.
In the end, it was a game that the Blues went on to lose 2-0, and that would have deflated some supporters. Yet there were plenty of good signs during the 90 minutes.
For example, ball possession was almost evenly split, which does not happen often when you take on a Pep Guardiola side, while Chelsea also registered a higher xG.
Had Nicolas Jackson been more clinical on the day, the Club World Cup winners may have actually got something from the fixture.
Team Ball possession Shots xG Big chances Corners Passes
Chelsea 48% 10 1.01 1 4 490
Manchester City 52% 11 0.77 1 3 535
Via Sofascore
All in all, despite losing the fixture, it was a good performance from Chelsea and the numbers show that.
To go toe-to-toe with City in your first game with such a young and inexperienced side showed Maresca’s potential as a coach. From that match alone, it is no surprise that he has got to where he is now.
Jamie Carragher ranks Maresca among the elite, impressed with how he is able to successfully rotate his players’ positions mid-game.
Enzo Maresca before Chelsea vs Manchester City
Photo by Chris Lee – Chelsea FC/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Enzo Maresca could leave Chelsea in the near future
Maresca has given Chelsea something that they do not see too often at the club: stability. They have to keep him at the helm for as long as possible. However, that may be easier said than done.
Maresca was recently asked about potentially managing Barcelona one day, Chelsea’s next opponents, and admitted that he does not know what will happen in the future.
Juventus are also thought to be admirers of Maresca, who used to play for the Italian club.