Enzo Maresca is the new manager of Chelsea. Blues fans will be desperate to know as much about him as possible, so here’s his style of play, tactics, favourite formation, stats and more.
The news was announced on Monday that Enzo Maresca is now the new head coach at Stamford Bridge. The Italian has the tough task of following Mauricio Pochettino, who parted ways after just one year at the club, with fans uncertain about the decision.
Alas, the Chelsea faithful must now put their trust in an all-new manager. He’s worked with Chelsea first-team squad players before in Cole Palmer and Romeo Lavia, whilst also making some fine acquisitions in his short managerial career thus far.
So just what is he like as a manager? The Chelsea Chronicle brings you expert analysis of the brand new Chelsea manager – Enzo Maresca.
Style of play
Like mentor Pep Guardiola, Chelsea fans can expect possession-based football with patient build-up from Maresca.
However, it isn’t dominance without punishment – Maresca’s intricate buildups often come with deadly consequences.
Leicester scored 89 goals throughout the 23/24 campaign – a tally only bettered by Ipswich. Granted, that’s the Championship – but with a plethora of young, attacking talent at his disposal in Chelsea’s first-team squad, we can’t exactly see this being a problem at Stamford Bridge.
Tactics
As for the tactical side of things, Maresca has a few core values in his managerial style he will definitely try to implement at Chelsea.
First off, like most modern sides, the goalkeeper is an integral position for the Italian. The last line of the defence transitions to the first point of attack when in possession, often the first of a string of passes up the pitch.
Such is now the bread and butter of these revolutionised sides, a deep-lying playmaker sits at the heart of midfield. They act as the metronome, which allows other midfielders accompanying them to have a bit more attacking freedom – which leads to an influx of chances in the final third.
He plays with inverted full-backs, who add yet another outlet in attacking phases. Maresca also has his forwards playing a high line, with his number nine often the man to drop back.
All in all, his tactics suit the profile of a lot of the Chelsea squad players at the moment. With a few of his own signings integrated, the Blues could certainly be on to a winner.
Favourite Formation
Maresca favoured a 4-3-3 formation at Leicester, although he has used a 4-2-3-1 as well at the King Power, whilst also favouring the latter during his time with Parma.
How could he lineup at Chelsea?
With the current setup, we think he’ll go 4-3-3, with Moises Caicedo as his metronome. The team could look a little like this:
- GK – Robert Sanchez
- RB – Reece James (C)
- CB – Levi Colwill
- CB – Wesley Fofana
- LB – Marc Cucurella
- CDM – Moises Caicedo
- CM – Enzo Fernandez
- CM – Romeo Lavia
- RW – Cole Palmer
- ST – Christopher Nkunku
- LW – Mykhailo Mudryk
Stats
2023/2024 at Leicester City FC
Maresca helped Leicester pick up 97 points en route to the title, with his side boasting the best defensive record in the division as they were promoted to the Premier League.
2021/2022 at Parma Calcio 1913
His stats at Parma are not to be desired. Chelsea fans, look away!
2020/2021 at Manchester City Under 23
A fine record with the young Cityzen’s.