Chelsea supporters will anticipate positive outcomes frequently and promptly, as is their tradition. However, with yet another new manager, Enzo Maresca, leading the team into the 2024/25 season, he is requesting time and patience to restore the club to its Premier League and European prominence.
Last season, under Mauricio Pochettino, the Blues settled into mid-table mediocrity. Although they displayed some promising progress in the latter part of the season, it wasn’t sufficient to keep Pochettino in charge.
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Chelsea owner Todd Boehly opted for a change, parting ways with Pochettino and hiring Maresca. The Italian coach acknowledges that it will require more time to develop the squad.
“This is a process,” Maresca stated to the media in Charlotte before the defeat against Real Madrid. “You cannot expect that after two weeks, three weeks, four weeks, or one month, everything will work perfectly.”
This sentiment was echoed earlier by the seasoned Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti, who suggested that Chelsea might need time to elevate its young squad to the level fans expect.
Madueke has looked bright all game and deserves this goal. Enzo finally playing in his best position and delivers a crucial pass pic.twitter.com/IcogMtKhpP
— Ishan Shah (@ishan04shah) August 6, 2024
“I think they have a good squad, good players, and a young manager,” Ancelotti remarked in Charlotte before the Chelsea friendly. “I think they need to be a bit patient to gain experience and grow, but the signings they’ve made in the past year are really good.”
Maresca appreciated Ancelotti’s support and pointed out that if anyone knows how to rebuild a top European team from a disappointing period, it’s Ancelotti, who has won nearly every major club trophy.
“I really appreciate Carlo’s words,” Maresca said. “I worked with Carlo, under Carlo, and his career is extraordinary. He understands better than I or many others in this business that achieving something significant isn’t magic that happens in two days. This is football, not PlayStation; it’s something different.”
“You need time. I know most managers ask for time and it may seem like an excuse, but it’s not an excuse—it’s a reality.”
While Maresca’s comments are reasonable and understandable, he may face challenges in making that reality happen.
Chelsea’s defense was weak last season under Pochettino, and there has been little sign of improvement in this area during their preseason tour of the United States with Maresca in charge.