Another summer of Chelsea flux, from the top of Stamford Bridge to the bottom of their Cobham training base, finally converges in Sunday’s opener against Manchester City.
Structural reorganisation, personnel reshuffles, technical, tactical and visionary shifts have all become commonplace since Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital took charge two years ago.
The new ownership has made more than good on its promise of disrupting the status quo. But as Enzo Maresca, the sixth man in the Chelsea dugout under them, prepares to launch his tenure, all concerned will hope for consistency, continuity and progression.
Maresca’s biggest challenge might just be whether he can deliver any of those Stamford Bridge touchstones quickly enough to earn himself a lengthy stay.
Precious few elite sporting organisations deliver immediate success after a period of sustained, widespread change, the new-look Chelsea included.
But the Blues’ chiefs have installed new coach Maresca as their man to usher in the kind of methodology, mindset and winning record they have craved.
Chelsea ought to hand Maresca time to find his feet, then also that of his new squad. Now that the Chelsea chiefs have made their choice, they must show conviction and resolve to allow the new set-up time to find rhythm.
Chelsea chiefs must show conviction and resolve to allow the new set-up time to find rhythm
Pedro Neto, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and Tosin Adarabioyo head a cast list of mostly youthful new signings.
A mixed pre-season was littered with costly stray passes in attempting to adhere to Maresca’s philosophy to build from the back.
Then there is the Enzo Fernandez controversy and its impact on the dressing room, while captain Reece James is suspended for the first three League games.
Hold on to your hats while we find out whether Maresca has the requisite ingenuity and skill set, or if another bid to return to the top will self-destruct.
