Enzo Maresca's skepticism about Chelsea's title prospects is increasingly hard to maintain. The Italian coach continues to downplay the Blues' chances of contending for the championship, but his stance is becoming less tenable. After all, it's difficult to maintain modesty when discussing a team boasting the Premier League's most prolific attack, an improving midfield, a strengthening defense, and a relentless hunger that makes them formidable opponents.
Before their recent trip to Tottenham, Maresca remained steadfast in his view that Chelsea are ahead of expectations. He asserts that his young squad is not yet ready to compete with the likes of Arsenal, Liverpool, and Manchester City. Maresca believes his players need more adversity to develop the mental fortitude required to challenge the top teams over a full season.
This caution is understandable. Chelsea's squad, though deeply talented, still lacks experience. Maresca's tough love approach was evident when he addressed Noni Madueke's performance after the 5-1 win against Southampton. The 22-year-old, who scored a goal and provided an assist, was reminded by Maresca that complacency is not an option. Despite Madueke's impressive season and recent England call-up, Maresca dropped him for the 3-0 victory over Aston Villa due to a dip in training.
Managing a youthful group comes with its challenges. Mauricio Pochettino, Maresca's predecessor, often criticized his team's casual attitude, particularly after the 2-2 draw with 10-man Burnley. Pochettino emphasized the fleeting nature of careers and the dangers of comfort zones. This season, however, there is no sign of Chelsea buying into their own hype. Internally, there is a resistance to the notion that they can catch Liverpool. No one is getting carried away.
Despite their impressive form, Chelsea have only lost to Arsenal, City, and Liverpool since February. While they lack a definitive victory against their closest rivals, their trajectory is undeniably upward. Unai Emery, after Chelsea's dominant display against his Villa side, noted the team's transformation. Once erratic and chaotic, Chelsea now approach games with a clear purpose and tactical belief.
Opposing managers face a challenge in deciphering Maresca's tactical setups. His constant tweaks and formations keep opponents guessing. Against Villa, Chelsea's formation shifted from a conventional 4-2-3-1 to a 3-3-3-1 in possession, with Moisés Caicedo's positioning being crucial.
Maresca's approach is to place players in positions where they can excel. This strategy has been successful, reducing reliance on key players like Cole Palmer. Other forwards, such as Madueke and Jackson, have stepped up, contributing significantly to the team's success.
Chelsea's depth is impressive. Maresca's rotation policy ensures high standards are maintained. Players like Christopher Nkunku and Jadon Sancho have made significant impacts, even from the bench. However, consistency remains a challenge for some, including João Felix and Mykhailo Mudryk.
Maresca aims for more ruthlessness at both ends of the pitch. While Chelsea's defense has improved, Wesley Fofana's injury is a setback. Spurs may exploit this vulnerability. The team's inexperience and potential ego management are other hurdles. Despite these challenges, the fans' chant, 'We've got our Chelsea back,' reflects their growing optimism.
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