Former Premier League manager Alan Pardew has just launched a scathing attack on Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca.
The Italian has taken Chelsea back into the Champions League after guiding them to a fourth-place finish in the Premier League.
Maresca also has a shot at winning silverware, with the Blues taking on Real Betis in the Conference League final on Wednesday.
Yet Pardew does not seem to be a fan, though former Chelsea winger Joe Cole has been impressed with Maresca’s work this season.
Photo by ANP Sport via Getty Images
Photo by ANP Sport via Getty Images
Alan Pardew criticises Enzo Maresca’s style of play
Pat Nevin and others have questioned Maresca at times for playing some of Chelsea’s stars out of position.
Pardew has now done the same thing while also criticising the 45-year-old’s philosophy. On talkSPORT, the ex-Newcastle United and Crystal Palace boss said: “There are decisions he makes structurally in the team that sort of… baffling is the only word I can use for it.
“And also, I find the style of play a little bit, kind of this tendency in the Premier League to keep the ball and to sort of make the other team suffer rather than go and attack the other team. This seems to be one of his philosophies and I don’t like that.”
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Chelsea’s view of Maresca’s football seems to be the polar opposite of Pardew’s. It has been claimed that Maresca’s job was safe before his side even kicked a ball against Nottingham Forest because his employers believe his style of play will eventually pay off.
This season, the most important thing was getting back into the Champions League, and the Blues have been able to do that under Maresca.
After failing to qualify for Europe’s elite competition in the previous two campaigns, that is the only thing that will matter to Chelsea’s owners right now.
Photo by Eddie Keogh/Getty Images
Photo by Eddie Keogh/Getty Images
Chelsea’s possession stats this season
It is true, Chelsea have seen a lot of the ball during their games in the Premier League this term.
According to WhoScored, Manchester City and Liverpool were actually the only teams whose average ball possession was higher than Chelsea’s. Away from home, the Blues actually had the second-highest possession.
Team Overall possession Possession at home Possession away
Manchester City 61.6% 62.5% 60.7%
Liverpool 57.9% 59.4% 56.3%
Arsenal 57.1% 57.5% 56.7%
Chelsea 57.1% 55.3% 58.9%
Tottenham Hotspur 54.8% 54.5% 55.0%
Ultimately, Chelsea have proven to be a dominant side and if they can add more of a clinical edge to their game next term, then maybe Pardew and the club’s other critics will enjoy their performances a bit more.