What Enzo Maresca’s man management is showing us about the new Chelsea era

Chelsea supporters are no strangers to turnover – players and managers have come and gone, we’ve seen new owners and new strategies often leaving us with more questions than answers.

But Enzo Maresca, only months into his tenure, is cutting through the noise with an approach that feels, dare I say it, refreshing.

His management isn’t just about finding the best XI; it’s about creating a culture that seems to finally point to a sustainable Chelsea rebuild.

As we head into the League Cup tie against Newcastle, it’s clear Maresca’s strategy is starting to bear fruit, giving us a squad with a clear identity and an intensity that feels like classic Chelsea, but with a modern twist.

Raheem Sterling’s departure and Maresca’s honesty

Raheem Sterling’s exit, with his loan move to Arsenal, was perhaps the most emblematic of Maresca’s ruthlessness. Sterling’s season began with promises of integration, only to see him sidelined after failing to impress under Maresca’s meticulous standards. This wasn’t a knee-jerk decision; it was Maresca’s way of saying that if you’re going to stay, you need to perform and fit into his vision. Sterling’s representative made public comments about his “surprise” at being left out of key lineups, but Maresca didn’t flinch, telling Sterling he’d “struggle to get minutes” if he didn’t adapt.

To those on the outside, it may have seemed harsh, but for those of us watching Chelsea grind out results, the decision underlines a standard we’ve been longing for – a commitment to performance over pedigree.

Ben Chilwell’s reality check

Ben Chilwell’s situation has been equally intriguing, if not as clear-cut as Sterling’s. Though recently reintegrated into training, Chilwell remains unlikely to feature much in Maresca’s plans. The reasoning here is tactical: Chilwell’s natural strengths as an attacking wingback don’t align with Maresca’s preference for inverted wingbacks, who can slip into the midfield and contribute to build-up play. Despite being one of the club’s highest-paid players and a former vice-captain, Chilwell’s role has been limited to sporadic appearances that only remind us of his diminishing role at Stamford Bridge.

What stands out, however, is Maresca’s handling of the situation. Chilwell is known for being a top trainer – a quality noted by both Maresca and former coach Mauricio Pochettino. Rather than discarding him entirely, Maresca has allowed him to remain close to the squad, recognising his leadership qualities and fitness standards, even if his on-pitch involvement is minimal. We may see him in cameo roles leading up to January, when a more permanent departure seems likely. But Maresca’s decision to keep Chilwell engaged speaks volumes: this Chelsea is about standards, and even for those on the fringes, discipline and commitment are non-negotiable.

Noni Madueke and Mykhailo Mudryk: Developing young talent with accountability

Then we have Noni Madueke and Mykhailo Mudryk, two young talents who’ve shown sparks of brilliance but need refinement. Maresca isn’t shielding them from the rigors of the Premier League; instead, he’s setting firm expectations. He’s not satisfied with mere flashes of talent – he wants consistency and a clear sense of discipline. Madueke, in particular, has had moments where he looked every bit the player, we hoped he’d be, and under Maresca’s guidance, we’re seeing a player who seems poised to turn potential into production. For Chelsea fans, it’s exciting to see young players pushed to elevate their game with accountability rather than simply being loaned out or sidelined.

Reece James: Captaincy as a challenge, not a gift

Perhaps the most exciting development is Maresca’s handling of Reece James. Handing him the captain’s armband might seem like a no-brainer given his tenure and popularity among fans, but Maresca isn’t letting the role of captain be just symbolic. Recently, he laid down the challenge, stating that James needed to “show more” in his leadership. It’s a fascinating move that speaks to Maresca’s understanding of sport psychology: the armband is a tool, not a reward, and James is being pushed to earn the title of captain with every game. It’s as if Maresca is building not just a player, but a leader who embodies the fighting spirit Chelsea fans are desperate to see on the pitch again.

Reece James in the second half ⚔️

Skipper 🫡 #CFCSocial | #CFC pic.twitter.com/HJRDM3i4LH

— The Chelsea Social (@TheChelsSocial) October 27, 2024

The bigger picture: A cultural reset

Maresca’s Chelsea is about more than a lineup – it’s a culture. The old revolving door of players without purpose seems to be closing, replaced by a core group who are all-in. Every player knows they’re on notice; under Maresca, there’s no room for complacency. This cultural shift, demanding performance, accountability, and unity isn’t something we’ve seen consistently since the days of peak Jose Mourinho. But now, instead of the old “win-at-all-costs” mantra, Maresca is shaping a philosophy of earned opportunity, a high standard, and respect for the badge.

There is a sense that this Chelsea team is more than the sum of its parts. With Maresca at the helm, Chelsea feels like a club rebuilding not just a squad but an identity. And for us as supporters, it’s a thrilling time to be a Blue.

Written by Stevie Henning (@steviehenning)

Edited by Harrison Burridge (@hburridge2)

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