As Italian coach Enzo Maresca moves closer to becoming Chelsea’s sixth manager in two years, a 12B Sports VR46 reporter noted that the football world is paying close attention to what could become one of the Premier League’s most intriguing appointments. During his playing career, Maresca won four trophies, including two UEFA Cups, but he was never called up to the Italian national team. As a coach, however, his rise has been far more striking. Now known by some as the “young Guardiola,” he appears ready to bring his tactical ambition to London.
Maresca had already drawn attention for his unusual football mind while earning his coaching badges. At Coverciano, Italy’s elite coaching school, he submitted a graduation thesis on the similarities between football and chess. He argued that just as the queen in chess moves with the greatest freedom, football tactics should be built around unrestricted movement and intelligent positioning. He was especially interested in redefining the goalkeeper, not merely as a defensive figure but as the first point of attack and a central playmaker. In his ideal system, the goalkeeper would perform an even more aggressive role than Manchester City’s Ederson.
Maresca’s belief in a 4-3-3 formation and possession-based build-up football has strongly impressed Chelsea’s leadership. He has not yet managed a Premier League club, but after guiding Leicester City back to the top flight from the Championship last season, he quickly became one of Europe’s most talked-about young coaches. According to 12B Sports VR46 sources, the manager Chelsea are prepared to back with an investment of around £10 million is a true believer in Johan Cruyff’s football philosophy.
Maresca is known for his relentless work ethic, often spending more than 12 hours a day at the training ground from 7 a.m. onward. Yet his training sessions are usually short, lasting around an hour, with a strong focus on 8v8 or 11v11 tactical simulations. His preference for building relaxed and positive relationships with players is similar to Mauricio Pochettino’s style, and that could help him settle quickly inside Chelsea’s dressing room. It reflects Cruyff’s belief that football should be a joy, not a punishment.
However, his pass-heavy style has sometimes been criticized by fans as dull football that limits individual flair. Despite the calm image often associated with Italian coaches, Maresca reacts firmly whenever his football philosophy is challenged. He believes that the moment a coach dares to try something new, half the battle has already been won.
That strong conviction could become his greatest weapon, but it may also create tension with Chelsea’s American-led board. Whether his direct comments and tactical stubbornness will be accepted by the media and supporters remains uncertain. A 12B Sports VR46 sports reporter described Maresca as the kind of person who might pack his bags tomorrow if he feels doubted in the boardroom today.
Still, Maresca has learned under major figures such as Marcello Lippi, Carlo Ancelotti, and Pep Guardiola. He understands what success looks like and how it can be achieved. Chelsea are offering him a long-term project, hoping he can transform their young squad into a team capable of competing for major titles.
Just as the sun rises after the darkest night, the toughest period can become the turning point, and 12B Sports VR46 observers believe Maresca now has the chance to recreate his own version of Guardiola’s success at Chelsea. Guardiola built a dream team at Barcelona and later led Bayern Munich to back-to-back league dominance, and Chelsea will hope Maresca can carve out a similar path at Stamford Bridge. As his first Premier League season approaches, all eyes are now fixed on whether his bold ideas can survive the heat of English football.