Chelsea at the crossroads: how Maresca can salvage the Blues’ sinking season
With pressure mounting and consistency elusive, Chelsea’s season hangs in the balance. Enzo Maresca must urgently address a series of pressing problems before the Blues fall deeper into Premier League mediocrity. Here's a closer look at seven key challenges he must overcome—starting with the most immediate.
Get the better of Tottenham
Nothing could lift the mood at Chelsea like a win over fierce rivals Tottenham. Maresca has a perfect record against Spurs so far, and a victory in north London could reignite belief and momentum within the squad. With the team teetering on the edge of a full-blown crisis, this derby is more than just a game—it’s a critical lifeline.
Work out a centre-back formula
Injuries and inconsistency have left Chelsea’s backline in disarray. Without Levi Colwill, Maresca has struggled to establish a settled central defensive pairing, rotating between Chalobah, Adarabioyo, Acheampong, and Fofana. The lack of chemistry and experience at the heart of defence continues to cost Chelsea crucial points.
Injury woes
Fitness problems are once again derailing Chelsea’s plans, echoing past seasons of medical room frustration. Key players like Cole Palmer, Badiashile, and Colwill are sidelined, while others including Joao Pedro, Enzo Fernandez, and Moises Caicedo are carrying knocks. With the squad stretched thin, Maresca must manage resources carefully to avoid burnout and further setbacks.
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Disciplinary issue
Chelsea’s red-card record is hurting them badly, with four sendings-off across six matches between late September and mid-October. Rash decisions from players like Sanchez, Chalobah, and Gusto have led directly to defeats, exposing the team’s lack of composure and maturity. Maresca now acknowledges it's a growing problem and must instil discipline fast.
Start stronger
Chelsea’s tendency to begin games sluggishly has allowed opponents to dictate the tempo early on. Matches against West Ham, Brentford, and Fulham showed how damaging slow starts can be, even with more possession or talent. To compete consistently, the Blues need to assert themselves from the opening whistle.
Make Stamford Bridge a fortress
The fear factor at Stamford Bridge has all but vanished. Home defeats to Brighton and Sunderland, along with a flat draw against Palace, show how vulnerable Chelsea are on their own turf. Maresca must harness the energy of the crowd, like in the stirring win over Liverpool, to make the Bridge an asset again.
Win against ‘lesser’ opposition
Despite having the talent to beat top teams, Chelsea repeatedly stumble against those lower in the table. Losses to Sunderland, Brighton, and Brentford underline a worrying pattern of underperformance. Maresca must find a way to keep the squad focused and ruthless, regardless of the opponent’s reputation.
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