Is Enzo Maresca The Right Man To Take Chelsea Forward?

Chelsea have reportedly made a firm decision on the future of under-pressure boss Enzo Maresca following their recent struggles. They bounced back with a win against Southampton.

A Work In Progress

The Blues were completely outplayed at the Amex three weeks ago. Kaoru Mitoma's stunning strike set the tone before Yankuba Minteh bagged a brace to pile more misery on the visitors. That 3-0 defeat underlined Chelsea’s struggles, despite early-season hopes of challenging at the top. However, they responded with a much-needed victory over Southampton in their most recent outing.

😎 pic.twitter.com/ywCyiVZhG3

— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) March 5, 2025

Maresca insists his side are still a work in progress, and the league table backs him up. Chelsea sit fifth, one point off the Champions League spots but 21 behind leaders Liverpool. With just three wins from their last 11 in all competitions and an FA Cup exit, questions have been asked about the Italian’s future.

However, The Athletic, via The Mirror, claims Chelsea’s hierarchy are standing by their man. Todd Boehly and his board reportedly believe Maresca has exceeded expectations in his first season. European football was never a firm requirement after Mauricio Pochettino only secured Conference League qualification last term. Maresca’s record of 21 wins from 37 games is seen as solid progress.

What Problems Is He Facing?

For the first half of the season, it was Cole Palmer who was carrying the team into the European places, however the Englishman has registered just three goals in his last 12 league games and not even a single assist. Add the FA Cup into the mix and he hasn’t made provided any output since the middle of January.

Cole Palmer is goalless in his last six PL outings 😮

Are you sticking with the Chelsea midfielder for Gameweek 28? The Blues face Leicester at home 🔵#FPL pic.twitter.com/droBhGWJNr

— Fantasy Premier League (@OfficialFPL) March 5, 2025

Chelsea stormed through their Conference League group with six wins from six. His contract runs until 2029, and the club are mindful of injury issues, particularly up front with Nicolas Jackson and Marc Guiu sidelined. The striker position has been a persistent problem for the club ever since Didier Drogba left, but Jackson’s form earlier this season gave Blues fans a reason to be hopeful.

If Chelsea resolve their striker situation for next season, Maresca could take the team forward and finally deliver on their potential.