After the poor start to the season, many Chelsea fans are starting to ask whether Enzo Maresca is the right man to take the club into the future. Of course, one has to recognise that he has not been dealt the best hand by the management. The Italian was clearly keen on bringing in a centre-back in the summer but was not given one. And one would imagine that he would have wanted a striker as well with Nicolas Jackson leaving, but once again, the same thing.
That does not mean that we will overlook a lot of the issues that Chelsea are dealing with at the moment. And some of them, it is down to Maresca to take care of.
The biggest might be the discipline issue. In the previous nine matches, Chelsea have picked up six red cards. That is unacceptable. And it is down to Maresca to make sure that the Blues do not allow this to happen. Until now, he has not been able to get his side to do so.
That has not stopped a club like Juventus from showing interest in Maresca though. And it looks like Chelsea will want a healthy compensation fee, if they are to consider the Italian's exit.
Chelsea ready to let Enzo Maresca leave for Juventus on one condition
As reported by Football FanCast, Simon Phillips wrote on his Substack:
"As per our friends sources at The Blues Feed, Juventus were in contact with Maresca’s entourage as recent as yesterday (Wednesday). And per their sources further, Chelsea would ask for £8m-£10m in compensation should they release Maresca from his contract.
"For that to happen, Maresca would have to go to them and tell them he wants to go. At the moment, on Maresca and on Chelsea’s side, the aim and plan is to at least see out this season and both reassess at the end of the season."
Well, a lot will depend on how this season turns out. If it proves to be another success, then continuing with Maresca would be the best step.
What does success look like for Chelsea at this point? Well, before the start of this season, we would have said making a genuine push for the Premier League, even if not winning it. But after what we have seen so far, a top four finish and any form of silverware would be great.
On the other hand, if the season is a failure, then parting ways with Maresca would be the best step. In that scenario, Juventus might actually be more of a help to the club than a problem.