ESPN pundit Don Hutchison has already explained one issue he thinks Enzo Maresca could have at Chelsea next season.
The speculation has really ramped up in the last couple of days, with various journalists and newspapers all claiming that Leicester City boss Enzo Maresca will soon leave the King Power Stadium to become Chelsea’s new manager.
In fact, journalist Fabrizio Romano has claimed via X on Tuesday afternoon that Chelsea have agreed to appoint Maresca as their new head coach. It’s a huge deal for the Italian that is valid until 2029, plus it has the option for a further year.
ESPN pundit shares Chelsea worry
Don Hutchison has suggested that Chelsea don’t have the players in their squad to match the possession-based football that Maresca demands from his side.
The 44-year-old coach proved at Leicester this year en route to winning the Championship title that he won’t deviate from his footballing philosophy.
When discussing the idea of Maresca as Chelsea’s next manager, Hutchison told ESPN: “That seems a good fit. My only problem with a coach that really wants to play the possession-based game, I don’t think Chelsea have got the particular players to do that.
“I think they’re more of an exciting front-footed team. A little bit of chaos. I think that’s when they’re at their best.
“Do you want them to be a ball-playing team? No. Keep them chaotic, it suits them.”
Enzo Maresca is inheriting a very talented young group
The Chelsea Chronicle would argue there’s numerous players already in the Chelsea ranks that can thrive and succeed under Maresca.
In terms of defence, Levi Colwill immediately springs to mind as a ball-playing centre-back that should suit building from defence. The full-backs Marc Cucurella and Reece James are tailor-made to play as the inverted full-backs that Maresca likes, too.
Meanwhile, midfielders such as Enzo Fernandez, Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia could be natural fits.
It’s fair to point out that Chelsea have been an erratic and unpredictable side in the last couple of yearss. Some of their best displays have been counter-attacking ones as well.
However, if Maresca can coach that Leicester squad to play his style, he should have a field day with a Chelsea group filled with better footballers.