When Chelsea lifted the FIFA Club World Cup trophy in February 2025, many dismissed it as a ceremonial prize rather than a meaningful turning point. But in the months that followed, something shifted at Stamford Bridge—an identity emerged, confidence blossomed, and Chelsea, under the meticulous guidance of Enzo Maresca, began to resemble something long-forgotten: genuine Premier League title contenders.
It was not just the silverware or the optics of global success—it was the transformation in tactics, the rise in performance levels, and the unity among a previously fractured squad. As the 2024–25 Premier League season moved into its decisive stages, Chelsea, once languishing mid-table, now find themselves within striking distance of the summit.
Let’s explore how Enzo Maresca has orchestrated this renaissance and why Chelsea’s resurgence is not a fleeting spark—but a statement of intent.
A Club Desperate for Direction
Following the tumultuous post-Tuchel years, Chelsea became synonymous with chaos. From Graham Potter to Frank Lampard (interim), and then Mauricio Pochettino, no manager managed to steady the ship. Millions were spent on talent—some promising, some panic buys—yet the results remained wildly inconsistent.
The 2023–24 season ended in disappointment, with Chelsea finishing outside the European places. It was clear that the club’s scattergun approach had yielded little cohesion. When Enzo Maresca, fresh off a promotion-winning campaign with Leicester City, was appointed in the summer of 2024, few considered him a game-changer.
But those inside Cobham spoke of his clarity. A disciple of Pep Guardiola’s positional play and calm under pressure, Maresca brought something Chelsea had sorely lacked: structure.
Tactical Revolution The Maresca Blueprint
Maresca’s Chelsea is built on two non-negotiables—possession and positional discipline. Early on, he made bold calls: benching high-profile names, installing young players in crucial roles, and most importantly, eliminating the “individualistic chaos” that plagued previous Chelsea sides.
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The Back Three Hybrid
Though often starting with a nominal back four, Maresca’s system morphs in possession. Left-back Marc Cucurella tucks inside to form a back three with Axel Disasi and Levi Colwill, allowing right-back Reece James or Malo Gusto to push high and wide.
This flexible shape ensures numerical superiority in midfield and allows Chelsea to control games—something they struggled with for seasons.
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Midfield Mastery Enzo Fernández & Moisés Caicedo
If Chelsea are the engine, then Enzo Fernández is the turbocharger. The Argentine midfielder has found new life under Maresca, playing deeper and dictating tempo alongside the tireless Moisés Caicedo. With clear roles and consistent positioning, their double pivot has become one of the most efficient in the league.
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Cole Palmer’s Creative Freedom
Cole Palmer, a summer 2023 arrival from Manchester City, has become the poster boy for Maresca’s attacking vision. Given freedom to drift between the lines, Palmer has blossomed as Chelsea’s primary playmaker and top scorer, racking up 12 goals and 9 assists by mid-April.
His chemistry with Nicolas Jackson and Raheem Sterling—both beneficiaries of Maresca’s movement-centric attacking drills—has added fluidity and unpredictability to Chelsea’s final third play.
The Club World Cup A Turning Point
Held in Saudi Arabia in February 2025, Chelsea entered the FIFA Club World Cup with little fanfare. Some fans questioned the need for a mid-season tournament. But Maresca saw it differently.
“It’s not about the trophy—it’s about belief. Winning creates habits, and habits drive titles,” Maresca stated after their semi-final victory over Fluminense.
Chelsea went on to defeat Al Ahly and then edged Brazilian giants Palmeiras in a cagey 1–0 final, with Palmer scoring the winner.
That tournament provided more than a trophy—it gave Chelsea rhythm, unity, and crucially, momentum. Upon returning to domestic duties, the Blues went unbeaten in 10 games, including emphatic victories over Arsenal and Manchester United.
Squad Unity and Leadership Resurgence
One of the most striking transformations under Maresca has been the shift in dressing-room culture. Gone is the sense of entitlement or the fragmentation between senior and younger players. In its place stands a collective focus, driven by Maresca’s man-management style.
Reece James, long plagued by injury, returned to fitness and reclaimed the armband with renewed leadership. In a candid interview with Sky Sports, he shared:
“This is the most unified we’ve been in years. We know what the manager wants, and we’re all pulling in the same direction.”
Maresca has also brought out the best in players like Conor Gallagher, whose box-to-box energy has earned praise from pundits, and Benoît Badiashile, now a composed figure in defense after early inconsistency.
Youthful Core and Smart Rotation
Another hallmark of Maresca’s Chelsea is the effective integration of youth. The likes of Carney Chukwuemeka, Noni Madueke, Alfie Gilchrist, and Cesare Casadei have all earned minutes—not as token gestures, but as vital contributors.
Unlike previous managers who hesitated to rotate, Maresca has kept his squad fresh by trusting his bench. This depth has proven invaluable during congested fixture lists, especially post-Club World Cup when fatigue threatened to creep in.
Premier League Title Charge Can They Go the Distance
As of Matchweek 33, Chelsea sit third—just four points behind leaders Manchester City and two behind Arsenal. They boast the second-best defensive record and a goal difference that continues to climb.
Key remaining fixtures include a trip to Anfield, a home clash with City, and a London derby at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. These games could determine Chelsea’s fate.
Crucially, Chelsea’s fixture list is more forgiving than that of their title rivals, with fewer European commitments after being knocked out of the FA Cup and not participating in the Champions League. This gives them the luxury of focus and recovery—two priceless advantages in the title run-in.
Rivals React A New Contender Emerges
Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has acknowledged Chelsea’s resurgence.
“They are a different team now—well-structured, confident, and full of energy. Enzo (Maresca) has done an exceptional job,” said Guardiola, who once had Maresca as part of his City staff.
Arsenal’s Mikel Arteta was similarly respectful after a 2–1 defeat to Chelsea in March:
“They’re direct, composed, and clinical. That’s title-challenger form.”
These comments aren’t mere platitudes—they’re reflections of a shifting power dynamic. Chelsea, once outsiders, are now serious players in a title race that was long presumed to be a two-horse sprint.
Transfer Strategy From Scattergun to Surgical
Behind Maresca’s footballing philosophy lies a more disciplined approach to recruitment. Chelsea’s new technical structure, led by sporting directors Laurence Stewart and Paul Winstanley, has emphasized targeted signings rather than high-volume splurges.
Gone are the days of signing five midfielders in a single window. Instead, Chelsea now operates with profiles in mind—players who fit Maresca’s system and cultural ethos. This refinement has reduced dressing-room bloat and increased harmony.
Rumors ahead of the summer 2025 window suggest the club is already identifying upgrades in two key areas: a physical striker to complement Jackson, and a left-footed center-back with leadership traits.
Fans Reconnect With the Badge
Perhaps the most heartwarming development has been the fans’ rekindled relationship with the club. Stamford Bridge, once subdued and cynical during the chaotic managerial merry-go-round, is now a cauldron of energy.
The “Maresca Ball” chants, once sung in jest, have become an anthem of belief. Attendance is at record highs, and social media engagement—often a barometer of sentiment—is overwhelmingly positive.
Fan forums that once debated “who to sack next” now focus on tactics, player development, and even realistic dreams of a domestic double.
Club Identity Reborn
Under Maresca, Chelsea is not just winning—they’re doing so with style. Their passing sequences, pressing triggers, and chance creation reflect hours of drilled precision. This is no longer a group of talented individuals—it’s a footballing collective.
Importantly, the identity is sustainable. Unlike a brief form surge based on luck or schedule quirks, Chelsea’s improvement is measurable, tactical, and adaptable.
Challenges Ahead
Despite the optimism, Chelsea’s path is not without hurdles. Injuries to key players, a tough final fixture list, and the pressure of a title chase will test Maresca’s resolve.
There’s also the psychological aspect—few in this young Chelsea team have experienced a Premier League title run-in. The club must manage expectations while keeping focus razor-sharp.
Maresca’s response? Calm and calculated.
“We take it one game at a time. Titles are not won in April—they’re won by consistency, humility, and sacrifice,” he said ahead of their match against Wolves.
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