Jamie Carragher, a well-respected football pundit, has recently praised the transformative impact that Enzo Maresca has had at Chelsea, highlighting just how quickly the manager has brought about substantial change. In fact, Carragher isn’t alone in recognizing Maresca’s early success; many fans and analysts alike are surprised by Chelsea’s current standing near the top of the Premier League table by November. The pace of their revival has caught even the most optimistic supporters off guard, especially considering the turbulence the team faced in previous seasons.
Ian Wright, speaking alongside Carragher on the Stick to Football podcast, echoed this sentiment but also touched on a key area of vulnerability within Chelsea’s setup. Wright was enthusiastic about the team’s newfound energy and praised Maresca for his decisive leadership. According to Wright, Maresca has displayed a level of ruthlessness in his management style, particularly with his midfield selections. By choosing a dynamic midfield duo of Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia, Maresca has built a core that balances both defensive coverage and forward momentum. Wright noted that the front four attackers, too, have shown readiness, bringing a vibrant edge to Chelsea’s offense. Yet, there remains a persistent flaw—Chelsea’s defense still appears shaky.
Wright highlighted that Chelsea’s defensive struggles are more complex than just a few isolated mistakes or finger-pointing at individual players like goalkeeper Robert Sanchez. Instead, these issues seem embedded within the team’s structural approach, which has made Chelsea’s defense susceptible in certain critical situations. Even with promising defenders like Levi Colwill and Wesley Fofana, Chelsea’s backline has occasionally struggled with executing tactics like the offside trap, leaving gaps that opponents have exploited.
This persistent fragility has prompted a growing concern among fans and pundits, as many recognize that refining Chelsea’s defense could be the final piece of the puzzle that transforms them into genuine title contenders. Wright’s analysis offers a silver lining: Chelsea is very close to achieving the right balance between their potent attack and a reliable defense. By making strategic adjustments to ensure defensive stability—perhaps by synchronizing the midfield to provide better cover for the backline—Chelsea could find themselves not just aiming for a top-four finish but potentially lifting silverware by the end of the season.
For Maresca and his squad, the challenge is to address these defensive issues while maintaining the attacking fluidity that has characterized their impressive
start.