Split image - Xabi Alonso manager / head coach of Chelsea and Enzo Maresca, Manager of Manchester City
Split image - Xabi Alonso manager / head coach of Chelsea and Enzo Maresca, Manager of Manchester City
When Enzo Maresca was at Chelsea, the Blues had too much needless possession.
The defenders often passed the ball to each other in a horseshoe shape, which was boring to watch. Supporters would have much preferred to watch the team counter-attack.
However, there needs to be a balance, and there has not been that under Xabi Alonso this season. Chelsea are now not seeing enough possession.
Xabi Alonso manager / head coach of Chelsea looks dejected
Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images
According to FotMob, the Blues have an average ball possession of 44.5%. It puts them 13th in the Premier League.
For context, in Maresca’s one and only full season at Stamford Bridge, the 2024/25 campaign, Chelsea’s average ball possession was 57.2%. Only Liverpool and Manchester City saw more of the ball.
Chelsea fans, how do you feel about Enzo Fernandez’s exit after his bright display in the Manchester derby?
Enzo Fernandez for Man City
Photo by Shaun Brooks – CameraSport via Getty Images
Unfortunately for Enzo the booing was twofold. Can you remember any players in the premier league era, apart from Courtois who actually said they wanted to leave or actually put in a transfer request. Maresca had been chatting with Enzo since he left.
It is no wonder that Chelsea are conceding so many goals. They are not controlling games and are allowing the opposition to dominate and create opportunities.
Their lack of midfield options is obviously not helping them. Moises Caicedo has been on the sidelines, while Enzo Fernandez was not replaced.
Fabian Ruiz would have given Chelsea more control in the middle of the park. He was linked with a move to Stamford Bridge during the summer transfer window.
The Spain international remained at Paris Saint-Germain, though, while AS Monaco and AS Roma managed to keep hold of Lamine Camara and Manu Kone respectively. It saw deadline day end without Chelsea getting a midfielder through the door. On the pitch, they are now paying the price.