Chelsea’s pre-season friendly against Wrexham, expected to be a strong start for the Blues ahead of the 2024/25 Premier League season, ended in a surprising 2-2 draw. Wrexham, owned by celebrities Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, capitalized on Chelsea’s defensive errors. These mistakes stemmed from new manager Enzo Maresca’s strategy of playing out from the back, a cornerstone of his coaching philosophy.
Both of Wrexham’s goals exploited Chelsea’s defensive mishaps. Luke Bolton and Jack Marriott took full advantage of Chelsea’s blunders in possession, highlighting the risks of Maresca’s approach. When questioned about the defensive errors and potential criticism of his playing style, Maresca remained resolute. “I have no doubt,” he stated, indicating his commitment to his philosophy. “You need to decide in which way you need to concede a goal.”
Chelsea is likely to be a work in progress this season, a notion that might frustrate some fans. After a transitional campaign last term that saw the team secure a Europa Conference League spot, supporters had hoped for stability. However, with Mauricio Pochettino’s departure and Maresca’s arrival, another period of adjustment is inevitable.
Stamford Bridge faithful will need to adapt to Maresca’s possession-heavy style. Despite Leicester City’s success under Maresca last season, which saw them crowned English Championship winners and promoted to the Premier League, fans found the matches lackluster. There was little disappointment when Maresca left for Chelsea.
Club owners Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital are aiming for more than just victories. They want Chelsea to develop a clear identity and a business model that nurtures young talent. Maresca, who has experience working with Pep Guardiola, was hired to bring this vision to life.
However, winning over Chelsea fans stylistically might take time. The pre-season performances suggest that more mistakes are likely once the Premier League starts, and these will be harder to justify than the two goals conceded against Wrexham. Chelsea supporters will need patience and understanding as the team evolves under Maresca’s guidance.
