Enzo Maresca must win over the fans or risk becoming the new fall guy at Chelsea, The season is unraveling FAST, and Enzo Maresca is feeling the heat!
Chelsea’s journey this season can be framed by two cold away fixtures on the south coast—one in early December and another in early February. The shift in fortunes between those two points has been stark. Once sitting in second place with distant hopes of a title push, Chelsea now find themselves just three points above seventh, firmly entrenched in a battle for Champions League qualification.
While Maresca’s team technically remains in fourth, within striking distance of third-placed Nottingham Forest, the atmosphere tells a different story. With Chelsea now out of both domestic cups and struggling for form, they could find themselves trailing league leaders Liverpool by as many as 16 points by Wednesday night. Just weeks ago, after a dominant 5-1 victory over Southampton—arguably the high point of Maresca’s tenure—the gap was only seven.
Initially, Chelsea enjoyed a period where they could look forward rather than downward, thanks to an impressive 16 wins in 21 matches across all competitions. However, their current standing owes more to their rivals’ inconsistency than their own excellence. Their league form highlights this stark contrast—an eight-game unbeaten streak with six wins was followed by a concerning stretch, yielding just two victories in the last eight matches. Those wins came against struggling sides in the relegation zone, both of which had recently changed managers, and neither performance was particularly convincing.
For Maresca, the days of fans chanting his name with enthusiasm at St. Mary’s Stadium seem like a distant memory. He displayed raw emotion after a dramatic comeback win over Tottenham, and at that point, his appointment was beginning to look like Chelsea’s best decision since the club’s ownership changed hands in May 2022. Brought in to modernize tactics and instill a clear identity, Maresca quickly built a strong connection with fans—something Graham Potter and Mauricio Pochettino never fully achieved.
However, that goodwill has started to erode. The unease that marked the Potter and Pochettino eras is creeping back in. While Maresca initially dispelled doubts about his lack of Premier League experience, frustrations are growing once more. Early concerns about his tactical style surfaced after an opening-day loss to Manchester City, but those murmurs quieted following a strong response from the team. Chelsea’s prolific goal-scoring, especially in the Conference League, fueled optimism during the early months.
Yet, since the group stage ended, the squad has struggled, and managing players’ minutes has become increasingly difficult. The January transfer window further exposed squad imbalances, exacerbating Chelsea’s issues. Now, both home and traveling supporters are voicing their frustration at the team’s passive buildup play and lack of urgency. Some players are even facing boos, and Maresca’s ability to steer the team out of this rough patch is being openly questioned.
Beyond Maresca, scrutiny is also shifting to those above him. Unlike Potter and Pochettino—who were largely viewed as obstacles to Chelsea’s progress—Maresca initially banked goodwill with fans. However, as dissatisfaction grows, many are beginning to criticize the club’s leadership rather than just the coach.
Despite this, Maresca remains the most visible figure and, consequently, the easiest target for criticism. Frank Lampard endured similar isolation during Chelsea’s struggles in late 2020 and early 2021. The difference is that Lampard and later Thomas Tuchel had strong fan backing due to their past success. Maresca lacks that historical connection, but Chelsea supporters tend to remain loyal to those they believe in. His challenge now is to regain that trust.
Failure to do so will leave his future uncertain, not only in the eyes of the media and football world but also within Chelsea’s hierarchy. Those who championed his appointment may see their own positions questioned if Maresca cannot deliver. While he may not be in immediate danger, missing out on a top-four finish—given the club’s heavy summer spending and strong start—would be seen as a major failure across the board.
Tuchel and Lampard were both chosen during the Roman Abramovich era, although Tuchel was later dismissed under the Clearlake Capital-Todd Boehly ownership. Tuchel’s Champions League triumph and Lampard’s passionate first managerial stint endeared them to fans, making their eventual downfalls even more painful. When Lampard was sacked, a banner outside Stamford Bridge read, “The circus continues.” Tuchel’s controversial departure similarly angered supporters, who saw their team go from European champions to a struggling side in rapid fashion.
Both managers commanded immense respect from Chelsea’s fanbase—something Maresca has yet to achieve. While his path to such reverence remains long and uncertain, he must win back the supporters if he hopes to navigate through this turbulent period. Without them, his tenure at Stamford Bridge could be short-lived.
