Why Maresca's Chelsea Football Club Are Not in Title Race.

Enzo Maresca signed for Chelsea Football Club on June 2024 after helping Leicester City to secure a spot back to the EPL. The former Juventus player promised a tactical revolution in Chelsea. However, after 21 matches played in the EPL, Chelsea are far from contesting for the title. Nevertheless, there have been improvements in style and some stellar performances, different factors have kept Maresca's Chelsea out of title race.

Chelsea board and fans will need to be very patient with the manager because transitioning to a new system will require time for adaptation. Enzo Maresca's coaching philosophy places a strong emphasis on an offensive, possession-based style of play similar to that of Pep Guardiola's ideas. He prioritise constructing from the back, and retaining control through quick, sharp passes. In order to swiftly retrieve possession, Maresca places a great priority on positional rotations, fluid movement, and high pressing. Through smart positioning and disciplined structure, he ensures defensive solidity while encouraging players to take measured risks in attack. Chelsea current squad being among the youngest squad in Europe to league filled with young talents and new signings has been struggling to adapt to the manager's new style of play. Their defensive vulnerabilities has undermine the new system.

Chelsea squad remains unbalance despite spending a lot of money for many transfer windows in trying to overhaul the squad. There are many talented young players in Chelsea but a lack of depth in attacking and defence area has really exposed the team as seen in many of their matches. This factor has led to the team inconsistency, a title contending team must be consistent. A strong defense is important for title challenge, Chelsea has been poor in this area. While The Blues has spend on the attacking department, they lack a clinical and consistent goal-scorer. Nicolas Jackson have shown promise but lack the experience and efficiency needed to spearhead a title charge for The Blues. He has always miss a lot of chances in crucial matches, this has shown that he can't be trusted when it comes to scoring of goal and complimenting the effort of midfielders. Chelsea will have to seek the service of top strikers like Victor Boniface, Osinmhen, or Gyokeres. relying on Jackson will mean they are not ready for the title challenge next season.

Chelsea will need to utilise the January window transfer to reshape the squad if they want to qualify for UEFA Champions League. Some players have been shown the red flag, signalling the end of their career at the Stamford Bridge. Axel Disasi and Chukwuemeka are among the players that will leave the club but it is important to find a suitable replacement for the outgoing players.

I will conclude by saying Maresca's need to be given the opportunity and time to put Chelsea back as a title contender. While the title is out of reach this season there are progressive signs, which shows the team in transition period.