As another new era begins at Chelsea under new boss Enzo Maresca, Blues fans are divided over what to expect. Here are a few reasons supporters have been slightly less optimistic about their upcoming 2024/25 campaign…
Chelsea lack a proven Goalscorer
Nicolas Jackson scored 14 Premier League goals last season, which is not a bad tally, but many Chelsea fans feel he is not good enough. Some glaring misses in important games and an abundance of petty yellow cards hampered his reputation throughout the season, but his attacking positioning and persistence showed glimpses of potential.
The Senegalese forward divides the fanbase, but were expectations of him too high? Perhaps, as he cost only around £30 million to buy. He is only 22 years old, and with the first season of Premier League football now under his belt, perhaps there is more to come from him this season.
With a deal for a proven goalscorer such as Victor Osimhen looking unlikely, Chelsea may have to settle for Jackson or new summer signing Samu Omorodion. The Spanish 20-year-old forward scored 8 goals in 34 appearances for Alaves last season on loan from Atletico Madrid. Neither seems completely convincing, reminding Blues fans that the dependable days of Didier Drogba and Diego Costa are long gone.
The sale of Conor Gallagher and cashing in on academy graduates
Gallagher was far from the best technical player in the squad, but his efforts last season can certainly not be doubted. Wearing the Captain’s armband frequently, he featured in 50 of the Blues’ 51 games in all competitions in 2023/24. He played a variety of positions across the midfield and ultimately became a fan favourite.
More importantly than losing a versatile and tenacious player, Chelsea has lost another home-grown academy graduate. Fans understand the need to comply with FFP rules and acknowledge that Gallagher’s contract had only a year left. But they feel that the club let go of one of the few remaining players who truly understood what it means to wear the badge too easily.
Is the Chelsea squad a good fit to play Maresca’s way?
The new Chelsea boss has clarified that Chelsea will play out from the back this season. Committing to deep build-up play and plenty of possession. This is similar to his philosophy at Leicester, but does Chelsea have the centre-backs to play this system? Benoit Badiashile and Axel Disasi struggled massively in possession last season. The goalkeeper, Robert Sanchez, committed his fair share of key mistakes. The defence has also looked shaky on the ball so far in pre-season.
Maresca’s preference for inverted full-backs will suit Marc Cucurella. He returns after an impressive Euro-winning campaign, where he played in that position for Spain. Will Reece James, who is at his best overlapping wide, be able to adjust?
‘I’ve still got a lot to learn for what he (Maresca) wants in the role but I’m excited and I can’t wait,’ said James after the team’s 2-2 draw with Wrexham in the first game of their US preseason tour.
Trusting the process…
Chelsea fans will have to learn to trust the process again. But they hope the team can hit the ground running this time, giving them some early confidence in Maresca’s project.
There is clear raw talent in the squad, with players like Noni Madueke and Malo Gusto impressing towards the back end of last season, not forgetting Young Player of the Season and extraordinary talent Cole Palmer. Due to recurring injuries, fans still have not properly seen Romeo Lavia, Wesley Fofana, and Christopher Nkunku. If they stay fit, they could all become crucial players this season.
Chelsea fans have had to adjust constantly over the past few seasons with a change in ownership, 4 changes in manager, and a seismic change in personnel.
Above everything, supporters will hope that the Maresca era brings some much-needed stability to Stamford Bridge.
