Enzo Maresca. (Michael Regan/Getty Images)
Chelsea have had a mixed debut season under Enzo Maresca. While still in contention for Champions League qualification and with a Europa Conference League final against Real Betis on May 28, the overall campaign has been inconsistent. Fans have expressed frustration over Maresca’s flat style of play, questionable squad selections, and his inability to maximize the talent of key players like Cole Palmer.
One of the main criticisms has been his erratic use of personnel. Maresca has played captain Reece James in midfield, used Pedro Neto as a striker, shuffled Moises Caicedo – voted the club’s Player of the Season – between midfield and right-back, and has yet to settle on a consistent backline—despite nearly a full season in charge.
Injuries have contributed to the instability, but Maresca’s decisions have still raised eyebrows. Former Premier League striker Ian Wright, speaking on The Kelly and Wrighty Show on Optus Sport, described it as “crazy listing who he has on the bench and why he’s doing that.” He questioned Maresca’s tactical explanations, saying, “Whatever he’s saying about getting into the midfield and controlling, you’ve got to get control of the game!”
Wright also took issue with the lack of leadership in the squad, adding that there wasn’t “enough experience in the side to go away and have a player play at right back [out of position].” He ultimately laid the blame with Maresca, saying, “It all comes down to the manager, unless something’s happened with Reece James and Gusto. I don’t know what’s happened, but that for me is unacceptable.”
Chelsea Committed to the Long Term
Despite growing discontent among fans and media, it appears Chelsea’s hierarchy are backing Maresca for the long haul. According to BBC Sport‘s Nizaar Kinsella, the club has decided to retain the Italian beyond this season, regardless of whether they qualify for the Champions League.
Kinsella reports that co-sporting directors Paul Winstanley and Laurence Stewart plan to hold off on making any judgement until summer 2026. Club leadership is said to view Maresca as “the right man for a long-term spell in charge,” admiring his “hard work, progression tactically, and adaptation to a revised club structure,” which now includes a dedicated set-piece department, revamped medical staff, and an overhauled recruitment team.
With just two league matches remaining, Chelsea sit fifth in the Premier League—two points behind Manchester City and level with Aston Villa—leaving their top-four hopes hanging in the balance.
Whether or not they secure Champions League football, Maresca will remain at the helm. For now, the club’s faith in him is unwavering.
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