Maresca is expected to begin his first-team duties next week, giving him a slim window to assess the personnel before the club's pre-season tour. The Chelsea hierarchy is determined to provide him with the necessary tools to hit the ground running when the new campaign kicks off.
While the weight of Guardiola’s legacy looms large, Maresca has the temperament to succeed. His possession-based philosophy aligns perfectly with the current squad, which will be expected to fight for the Premier League title again when the 2026-27 season gets underway.