Enzo Maresca's managerial ascent seems poised to reach new heights as he emerges as a leading contender to helm Chelsea FC, potentially succeeding Mauricio Pochettino. Nicknamed the 'Marescalator', he is set to step into the limelight at Stamford Bridge after a relatively brief managerial career, comprising just 67 games in management and a single full season in English football with Leicester City in the Championship.
Upon his arrival at Leicester last summer, Maresca made a subtle yet poignant alteration to the club's training ground, a testament to his reverence for Claudio Ranieri. Maresca underscored the importance of honouring the club's history by adding images of Leicester's FA Cup and Community Shield victories in 2021 alongside the iconic 2016 Premier League triumph under Ranieri.
This gesture was not entirely unexpected, considering Ranieri was among the first to congratulate Maresca on his appointment as Leicester's manager. As Maresca prepares to lead Chelsea, another of Ranieri's former clubs, the parallels between their trajectories are hard to ignore.
Despite his relatively limited experience—fewer than 70 senior matches under his belt, including just 53 in England and none in the Premier League—Maresca is on the brink of assuming the reins at Stamford Bridge. His imminent appointment comes with lofty expectations, reminiscent of Ranieri's arrival in 2000, when he was tasked with steering Chelsea towards Champions League glory.
Pochettino's departure from Stamford Bridge stemmed mainly from the club's failure to secure a top-four finish. As Chelsea's owners pondered their Champions League semi-final exit last month, they sought a manager who could deliver European qualification and instil an attractive brand of possession-based football, mirroring the style championed by Pep Guardiola.
Maresca's deep-rooted connection to Guardiola's philosophy is a crucial factor driving Chelsea's interest. His tenure at Leicester witnessed the implementation of a Manchester City-inspired style of play characterized by patient build-up and tactical astuteness. Despite Leicester's stint in the Championship, their possession-based approach mirrored Guardiola's blueprint, albeit with nuances tailored to Maresca's vision.
The tactical parallels between Maresca and Guardiola are evident in their use of inverted full-backs, a strategy Leicester notably embraced under the Italian's stewardship. Ricardo Pereira, renowned for his attacking prowess, often operated centrally, confounding opponents and contributing to Leicester's fluidity in possession.
Moreover, Maresca's emphasis on building from the back echoes Guardiola's philosophy, exemplified by Leicester's goalkeeper Mads Hermansen's involvement in the build-up play. This tactical innovation and the midfield dynamism of players like Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall epitomize Maresca's commitment to expansive, possession-based football.
In the attacking third, Maresca favours wingers adept at taking on defenders in one-on-one situations, akin to Guardiola's preference for dynamic wide players. This strategic alignment is evident in Leicester's utilization of players like Stephy Mavididi and Abdul Fatawu, who excelled in one-on-one duels, reminiscent of Premier League stars such as Jack Grealish and Bukayo Saka.
However, Maresca's unwavering commitment to his tactical ideology has drawn criticism, particularly during Leicester's occasional struggles to break down resilient opponents. Despite leading Leicester to the Championship title, Maresca's refusal to deviate from his preferred playing style has led to accusations of inflexibility.
Nevertheless, Maresca's managerial acumen and tactical innovations have earned him acclaim from players and pundits. His ability to instil a distinct philosophy and foster a culture of relentless pursuit of excellence has resonated with Leicester's squad, with some players hailing him as the best manager they've ever played under.
As Maresca prepares to embark on his next chapter at Chelsea, his success will hinge on his tactical prowess, adaptability, and ability to navigate the challenges of managing a high-profile club. While his uncompromising approach may encounter resistance, his commitment to his principles and track record of success suggests that he is well-equipped to lead Chelsea into a new era of dominance in English football.
What are you waiting for? Join OKBet Sports now!
