Chelsea decide on future of manager Enzo Maresca
- Barnaby Lane
- 1 day ago
- 2 min read
Enzo Maresca’s first year in charge at Chelsea has sparked debate among fans and pundits alike.
Although the Blues remain in the race for Champions League qualification and have a Europa Conference League final against Real Betis on May 28, performances have been patchy—raising questions about whether the Italian is the right man to lead the club long-term.
Supporters have been especially frustrated by Maresca’s tactical choices and lineup decisions. His reluctance—or inability—to get the best out of attacking talisman Cole Palmer has drawn criticism, as has his unconventional player deployment.
Club captain Reece James has been used in midfield, Pedro Neto has been trialled up front, and Moisés Caicedo, named the club’s Player of the Season, has been shuffled between his natural midfield role and right-back.
Defensive inconsistencies have also persisted, despite Maresca having had nearly a full season to solidify his back line.
Injuries have played a role, but for many observers, Maresca’s decisions have done little to inspire confidence.
Speaking on The Kelly and Wrighty Show on Optus Sport, former Arsenal and England striker Ian Wright expressed disbelief at some of Maresca’s recent selections, particularly in Chelsea’s 2–0 loss to fellow top-four contenders Newcastle United.
“It is crazy listing who he has on the bench and why he's doing that,” Wright said. “Whatever he's saying about getting into the midfield and controlling, you've got to get control of the game!”
Wright also highlighted the team’s lack of leadership and balance, saying: “When you're looking at the Chelsea side, for me [there's] not enough experience in the side to go away and have a player play at right back [out of position].”
He added: “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 Stand Firm
Despite the external criticism and mixed on-field displays, Chelsea’s board remains committed to their head coach. As reported by BBC Sport’s Nizaar Kinsella, Maresca is expected to stay on for the 2025–26 season regardless of how this one ends.
“The club hierarchy, led by co-sporting directors Paul Winstanley and Laurence Stewart, plan to reserve judgement on the 45-year-old Italian until the summer of 2026,” Kinsella wrote.
He added that senior Chelsea officials regard Maresca as “the right man for a long-term spell in charge.”
The club is reportedly impressed with his work ethic, tactical development, and willingness to adapt to a restructured organization that now includes a revamped medical department, updated recruitment processes, and a new set-piece coaching team.
Chelsea currently sit fifth in the Premier League, two points behind Manchester City and level with Aston Villa, with just two matches remaining.
While Champions League qualification is still possible, the club’s long-term view suggests Maresca's job is safe—at least for now.
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