As Chelsea prepare to appoint Enzo Maresca as new head coach, fans and analysts alike are eager to understand how the Italian’s tactical philosophy will transform the team’s style of play.

Maresca, who has guided Leicester City back to the Premier League as Championship title winners, brings a distinctive approach rooted in positional play, heavily influenced by his time as Pep Guardiola’s assistant at Manchester City during their 2022-23 treble-winning season.

Positional Play and Tactical Formation

Maresca’s preferred formation is a 4-3-3, which dynamically shifts to a 3-2-5 when in possession. This tactical fluidity is central to Maresca’s philosophy, where a full-back, often Ricardo Pereira at Leicester, moves inside to form a double pivot with a holding midfielder. At Chelsea, this role could be undertaken by a player like Reece James or Marc Cucurella, partnering with a central midfielder such as Enzo Fernández. This adjustment allows the No 8s to push high, joining the wingers and central striker to create a formidable attacking quintet.

Building from the Back

A hallmark of Maresca’s style is building play from the back, emphasizing patience and precision. Goalkeepers are crucial in this system, as they join the defensive line to create numerical advantages and disrupt the opposition press. Under Maresca, Chelsea’s goalkeeper will be tasked with maintaining a low “launch rate” — focusing on short, controlled passes rather than long clearances. This approach will require confidence and composure from Chelsea’s defenders to initiate attacks.

Territorial Dominance and High Pressing

Much like Guardiola, Maresca emphasizes territorial dominance and quick retrieval of possession. Leicester under Maresca boasted the second-highest field tilt (62 percent) and led in possessions won in the attacking third. At Chelsea, this will translate to an aggressive pressing game, aiming to win the ball high up the pitch and maintain sustained pressure on the opposition. Players like Moises Caicedo, known for their relentless work rate, will be pivotal in executing this high press.

Offensive Dynamics

In possession, Maresca’s teams are characterized by fluid movement and positional interchange. Wingers will often cut inside to join the central striker, creating space for overlapping full-backs. This could see Chelsea’s wide players playing more central roles during attacking phases, while full-backs provide width. The central striker will act as the focal point, with the No 8s supporting the attack by making late runs into the box.

Expected Impact

Maresca’s appointment is expected to bring a fresh, modern approach to Chelsea, focusing on ball retention, tactical discipline, and an aggressive, high-tempo style of play. This transition may take time as players adapt to new roles and responsibilities, but the potential for a more cohesive and dynamic Chelsea side is significant.

The upcoming season under Maresca promises to be an exciting period for Chelsea, as they look to blend tactical sophistication with the club’s traditional attacking flair. Fans can anticipate a team that not only competes for possession but also dominates games with an assertive, high-pressing strategy, aiming to reclaim their place at the top of English football.