On May 4, 2025, Enzo Maresca, who took over as Chelsea’s head coach in July 2024, shared a positive outlook on the team’s trajectory, emphasizing the potential of the current squad.

His comments came after a promising beginning to the 2024-2025 Premier League season, where Chelsea secured three consecutive victories against Bournemouth, West Ham, and Brighton.

This strong run earned Maresca the Premier League Manager of the Month award for September 2024, marking the club’s best league start since 2021.

His first win as Chelsea’s manager was a commanding 6-2 thrashing of Wolverhampton Wanderers, with Noni Madueke scoring a hat-trick and contributions from Cole Palmer, Nicolas Jackson, and Joao Felix.

Maresca, who previously led Leicester City to the Championship title and promotion to the Premier League in April 2024, believes Chelsea’s young talent signals a bright future for the club.

However, not all is smooth sailing for Maresca and Chelsea. Despite the early success, the team has faced challenges in maintaining consistency, particularly in their attacking output.

A report from the Standard on April 27, 2025, pointed out ongoing squad planning issues that have hindered Chelsea’s offensive performance.

One notable concern is the handling of Joao Felix, who was loaned out to AC Milan in January 2025 after failing to secure a regular spot in Maresca’s lineup.

Felix’s departure, following a permanent return to Stamford Bridge, has been viewed by some as a misstep in squad management.

Additionally, Chelsea’s reliance on Nicolas Jackson as their primary striker has exposed a lack of depth in the forward line, with the team struggling to convert chances in key matches.

Fan reactions on X to Maresca’s statement reflect a divided sentiment. Some supporters appreciate his long-term vision, especially given the potential of Chelsea’s youthful roster, which includes standout performer Cole Palmer.

Since joining Chelsea in 2023, Palmer has been a consistent bright spot, with performances like his four-goal haul against Everton earning him widespread praise.

However, other fans remain skeptical of Maresca’s methods, with some labeling him a “fraud” and pointing to Chelsea’s mid-season struggles as evidence of his shortcomings.

The debate underscores broader questions about whether Maresca can fully harness the talent at his disposal and deliver sustained success at Stamford Bridge.

As Chelsea navigates the remainder of the season, Maresca’s ability to balance immediate results with his long-term project will be under intense scrutiny.