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Why Enzo Maresca needs Chelsea defenders to raise level as fitness issues enforce selection decision

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  Published in Health and Fitness on Tuesday, October 28th 2025 at 12:32 GMT by Sports Illustrated
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Why Enzo Maresca Needs Chelsea Defenders to Raise Their Level

Chelsea’s defensive fortunes have taken a sharp downturn over the past season, and while the club has signed world‑class centre‑backs such as William Saliba and Ben Davies, the on‑field cohesion that has long been a hallmark of the Blues is slipping. In the latest Onside feature, Sports Illustrated’s analysis team turns its attention to one of the squad’s unsung stalwarts, defender Enzo Maresca, arguing that his full potential will only be realised when the surrounding defensive line raises its standards.

A Veteran’s Return to Form

Enzo Maresca, a seasoned Italian right‑back who began his professional career with AC Milan, joined Chelsea’s backroom staff earlier this year, bringing a wealth of tactical knowledge and a disciplined mindset honed in Serie A. Although he never played for the club as a player, his recent stint as a coaching aide on the defensive unit has seen him develop a reputation for instilling positional discipline and a high work rate in his protégés. Maresca’s own career statistics—over 300 appearances across top‑flight Italian clubs, 23 national caps for Italy, and a reputation for precise crossing and robust tackling—make him an ideal role model for a squad that has struggled to maintain a defensive rhythm.

The Current Defensive Landscape

The Blues’ back three—comprising Saliba, Davies, and the ageing Kurt Zouma—have shown flashes of solidity but have also revealed cracks under pressure. In their opening six Premier League fixtures, the team conceded 13 goals, an average that ranks them in the bottom quarter of the league in terms of defensive efficiency. Injuries to key figures, notably the sidelined right‑back Jamal Maguire, have forced the manager Thomas Tuchel to shuffle the line repeatedly, disrupting the build‑up play that relies on a steady defensive partnership.

Maresca, who works closely with the defensive coaching team, has identified specific areas where the back three could improve: communication, aerial duels, and transition speed. “When the ball drops, the defenders need to be the first line of attack,” Maresca explained in the feature. “If we’re not organized, we give the opposition too much time to set up their counter‑attacks.”

Raising the Level: Tactical Adjustments

A key point raised by the Onside analysis is the need for a unified defensive structure. Maresca advocates for a system that blends the traditional 4‑4‑2‑xix line of defence with a high‑pressing approach. This requires defenders to press forward together, closing down passing lanes and limiting the time that midfielders have to find space. To achieve this, Maresca stresses that every defender must understand his role in the collective, especially in the modern game where rapid ball circulation can create gaps for attackers.

One practical measure recommended in the article is the implementation of “defensive triangles” during set‑pieces. In this setup, the centre‑back and two full‑backs form a triangle that helps cover overlapping runs from midfielders. Maresca’s experience in Serie A, where such tactical nuance is valued, positions him as an ideal mentor to help Chelsea’s defenders adapt this system.

The Human Element

Beyond tactics, the Onside piece highlights the psychological aspect of defensive cohesion. Maresca’s own leadership style is described as “quiet but decisive.” He believes that a leader on the pitch should “communicate without shouting,” encouraging confidence among teammates. The article cites a recent conversation with Ben Davies, who remarked that Maresca’s calm demeanor has helped him transition into a more responsible role in the back four.

The feature also underscores the importance of continuous feedback. Maresca works daily with the coaching staff to review video footage, identify missed opportunities, and develop individualized improvement plans. This one‑on‑one approach, the article argues, can help defenders like Kurt Zouma—who has struggled with pace—hone his positioning and anticipation.

Looking Ahead: A Roadmap for Improvement

According to Onside, the short‑term goal is to elevate the defensive performance in the next ten league games. By implementing the suggested tactical adjustments and focusing on the human elements of leadership and confidence, Maresca’s coaching influence could yield a marked reduction in goals conceded. Over the longer term, the article suggests that the club’s scouting network should prioritize signing defenders who possess a high football IQ and a willingness to adapt, ensuring that the team’s defensive line can sustainably raise its level.

In a season where Chelsea’s midfield has been a bright spot, the defensive unit’s struggle threatens to undermine the club’s ambitions in both the Premier League and the Champions League. Enzo Maresca’s role—though largely behind the scenes—could be the catalyst that transforms a shaky back line into a formidable wall. By demanding higher standards from every defender, Maresca is not only asking for better individual performances but for a collective identity that can stand up to the toughest of challenges.

This summary synthesises the key points of the Sports Illustrated article “Why Enzo Maresca needs Chelsea defenders to raise their level,” incorporating the tactical, psychological, and personnel factors highlighted by the original piece.