Does Enzo Maresca deserve a second season with Chelsea?

Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca is set to lead the team into the 2025-2026 season, even if they fall short of Champions League qualification (BBC Sports). As the 2024-2025 campaign nears its end, fans are questioning whether Maresca has earned a second season at Stamford Bridge. His tenure has been marked by significant highs, such as a recent victory over Manchester United and a place in the UEFA Conference League final, but also by inconsistencies that have fueled debate.
Does Enzo Maresca deserve a second season with Chelsea? At Matchdaytalk, we believe Maresca deserves another year, and here’s why.

The Win Against Manchester United: A Defining Moment

On May 16, 2025, Chelsea secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory against Manchester United at Stamford Bridge, a result that underscored Maresca’s ability to deliver in high-stakes matches (Premier League). Marc Cucurella’s 71st-minute header, assisted by Reece James, clinched the three points, propelling Chelsea to fourth place with 66 points from 37 games. This win was pivotal, not only for the points but also for the morale boost it provided ahead of the season’s final stretch.

Match Details

Maresca’s tactical approach was evident in Chelsea’s control of possession and their ability to exploit set-pieces. Despite a disallowed goal for United’s Harry Maguire and an overturned penalty decision, Chelsea remained composed, showcasing the resilience Maresca has instilled. This victory against a struggling but historically formidable opponent highlighted his capacity to prepare the team for big occasions, strengthening his case for a second season.

UEFA Conference League Final: A Shot at Silverware

Chelsea’s run to the UEFA Conference League final against Real Betis on May 28, 2025, is one of Maresca’s standout achievements (MatchDayTalk). After qualifying for the competition via a sixth-place finish last season, Chelsea have excelled in Europe, defeating teams like Djurgarden to reach the final. This milestone reflects Maresca’s ability to manage a young squad in high-pressure knockout ties.

Significance of the Final

Reaching the final is a testament to Maresca’s tactical acumen and man-management skills. The Conference League, while not as prestigious as the Champions League, offers Chelsea a chance to win their first major trophy since 2021 and secure a spot in the 2025-2026 Europa League. Maresca has emphasized the importance of the match, stating, “It’s a great opportunity for us to win a trophy and to show that we are moving in the right direction.” Facing Real Betis, managed by Maresca’s mentor Manuel Pellegrini, adds a personal dimension to the challenge, but Chelsea are favored to lift the trophy.

This European campaign demonstrates Maresca’s ability to compete on multiple fronts, a critical factor in evaluating his tenure. A victory in Wroclaw would not only boost his credentials but also provide valuable experience for Chelsea’s young players, setting a positive tone for next season.

Comparing Maresca’s Season with Pochettino’s

To gauge Maresca’s impact, it’s essential to compare his 2024-2025 season with Mauricio Pochettino’s 2023-2024 campaign (Wikipedia). Pochettino, appointed in July 2023, inherited a squad that finished 12th the previous year. His tenure showed progress, but it fell short of expectations.

Pochettino’s 2023-2024 Season

Pochettino’s sixth-place finish marked an improvement, and his work with young talents laid a foundation for future success. However, the lack of a trophy and inconsistent results led to his departure (The Athletic).

Maresca’s 2024-2025 Season

Maresca has outperformed Pochettino in league standing, with Chelsea in contention for a top-four finish. His reach to a European final surpasses Pochettino’s domestic cup run, and his clear tactical identity, rooted in possession and pressing has given Chelsea a more defined style. While both managers faced challenges with a young squad, Maresca’s results suggest greater progress, supporting his case for another season.

The Path to Champions League Football

Chelsea’s final Premier League match against Nottingham Forest on May 25, 2025, will determine their chances of securing Champions League football (Premier League). Currently fourth with 66 points from 37 games, Chelsea are level with Newcastle United (36 games) and Aston Villa (37 games). Chelsea’s +20 goal difference gives them an edge over Aston Villa (+9), but Newcastle’s +23 and game in hand pose a threat.

Current Standings (Top 7)

A win against Forest would give Chelsea 69 points, likely securing fourth place if Newcastle or Aston Villa drop points. Champions League qualification would be a major coup for Maresca, providing financial benefits and attracting top talent. Even a fifth-place finish would ensure Europa League football, a respectable outcome for his debut season.

Does Maresca Deserve a Second Season?

The debate over Maresca’s future hinges on balancing his achievements against his shortcomings. His successes, fourth place, a European final, and a clear tactical identity are compelling. However, losses to teams like Sheffield United and Burnley have raised concerns about consistency, with some fans questioning whether he can elevate Chelsea to title contenders.

Arguments For Maresca

• Player Buy-In: Players like Cole Palmer and Reece James reportedly trust Maresca’s vision, fostering team unity critical for success (The Athletic).
• Tactical Clarity: His possession-based style, honed under Pep Guardiola, has given Chelsea a distinct identity, unlike Pochettino’s pragmatic approach.
• Results: A potential top-four finish and a European final surpass expectations for a manager in his first Premier League season.
• Club Support: Chelsea’s ownership has confirmed Maresca’s continuation, reflecting confidence in his long-term project (Sports Illustrated).

Arguments Against Maresca

• Inconsistency: Losses to lower-ranked teams highlight tactical or motivational lapses that need addressing.
• Pressure of Expectations: Chelsea’s history demands trophies, and some fans argue Maresca must deliver silverware to justify his position.

Despite these concerns, Maresca’s achievements outweigh his setbacks. His ability to unite the squad, implement a modern playing style, and achieve competitive results in his debut season suggests he deserves the opportunity to build on this foundation. The club’s backing further reinforces this view, indicating a shift toward stability after years of managerial turnover.

Conclusion

At Matchdaytalk, we firmly believe Enzo Maresca deserves a second season with Chelsea. The players play for him, they listen to him, and most importantly, they believe in his plans. The UEFA Conference League final offers a chance for silverware, and a win against Nottingham Forest could secure Champions League football, both of which would cement his legacy in his first year. Even without these outcomes, Maresca’s progress, evident in a higher league position, a European final, and a cohesive squad makes a compelling case for continuity. Chelsea’s journey under Maresca is just beginning, and with time, he could restore the club to its former glory.