Season Overview: Progress & Silverware
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Premier League: Maresca led Chelsea to a 4th place finish, earning a spot in the 2025‑26 UEFA Champions League, a milestone absent under predecessors. Chelsea ended the season strongly, defeating Nottingham Forest on the final day to clinch qualification.
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UEFA Conference League: Chelsea lifted the Conference League trophy with a resounding 4–1 win over Real Betis, becoming the first club to win all five major European competitions. Cole Palmer was named Player of the Match, and several players featured in the Team of the Tournament.
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Assessment of Progress: Maresca consistently asserted that Chelsea’s season represented significant improvement over recent campaigns, pointing to sustained time spent in Champions League positions and more coherent team performance overall.
Club World Cup: Tactical Mastermind and Global Glory
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In the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, Chelsea under Maresca became the first winners under the expanded 32-team format, emphatically defeating Paris Saint-Germain 3–0 in the final at MetLife Stadium.
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The final showcased a dominant tactical setup. Cole Palmer netted twice and added an assist in the first half, Robert Sánchez delivered a composed clean sheet, and the midfield (including Moisés Caicedo, Enzo Fernández, Reece James) maintained control throughout. The performance confirmed Maresca’s ability to execute high-level strategy on the world stage.
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Despite logistical challenges—such as fatigue from a long season and even weather-related disruptions—Maresca guided his squad through adversity, maintaining focus amid criticism of tournament conditions.
Building Identity: Youth, Structure, and Tactical Vision
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Maresca has emphasized possession-based football with high-pressure transitions, consolidating a clear tactical identity. Chelsea’s performances reflected maturation in playing style and team cohesion.
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He has also accelerated youth integration: key performances from young talents such as Palmer and João Pedro have come through strategic development and trust.
In Summary:
| Area | Achievement under Maresca |
|---|---|
| Premier League | 4th place — Champions League qualification |
| European competition | Conference League title — first club to win all five |
| Club World Cup | Global champions — 3–0 win over PSG in final |
| Managerial impact | Tactical clarity, youth development, squad unity |
Enzo Maresca’s debut season has been nothing short of transformative. He’s reshaped Chelsea into a coherent, competitive force—back in Europe’s elite and now champions of the world. His methods, bold recruitment, tactical innovation, and leadership under pressure define a new era at Stamford Bridge.
