Chelsea FC have touched down in the United States, marking the beginning of Enzo Maresca’s tenure as the club's manager. Maresca joins a prestigious lineage of Italian managers who have previously led Chelsea to success. With the new season approaching, fans are hopeful that Maresca can continue this tradition. However, it’s important to recognize the significant challenges he faces in navigating a volatile and ever-changing environment.
The 2️⃣8️⃣ Blues travelling Stateside. 👇#BluesInTheUSA pic.twitter.com/LrjY2acHEN
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) July 22, 2024
In the past two years, Chelsea has seen an extraordinary turnover, cycling through five managers and making sweeping changes to the backroom staff, medical team, and Cobham setup. Joe Shields, who was the co-director of recruitment and talent at Chelsea, also left the club. He played a significant role in Chelsea's scouting and recruitment processes, and his departure was part of the broader restructuring at Chelsea's backroom and operational staff. This instability, combined with a youthful squad teeming with raw potential, means Maresca’s task is anything but straightforward.
Reflecting on the notable Italian managers who have shaped Chelsea’s history provides perspective on the expectations Maresca will face:
Gianluca Vialli (1998-2000):
The late Gianluca Vialli was the first Italian to manage in the Premier League, taking over Chelsea as player-manager in 1998. In his debut season, he guided the team to victories in the League Cup and the European Cup Winners’ Cup, followed by securing the UEFA Super Cup with a 1-0 win over Real Madrid. Vialli’s tenure saw the Blues finish fourth in the Premier League, earning their first-ever Champions League qualification. He added the FA Cup and Charity Shield to his tally in 2000, winning five trophies in under three years.
Claudio Ranieri (2000-2004):
Following Vialli, Claudio Ranieri took the helm. During his tenure, Chelsea signed key players like Claude Makelele and Frank Lampard. Ranieri led Chelsea to their first Champions League semi-final in 2003. Despite improved results, he left the club in 2004 without a trophy, paving the way for Jose Mourinho’s arrival.
Carlo Ancelotti (2009-2011):
Carlo Ancelotti joined Chelsea in 2009 and quickly made an impact, winning the Community Shield in his first match. He achieved a historic Premier League and FA Cup double in the 2009-10 season. Despite a second-place finish in the following season and the record signing of Fernando Torres, Ancelotti was dismissed after a loss to Everton on the final day.
Roberto Di Matteo (2012):
Appointed as interim manager in March 2012, Roberto Di Matteo swiftly won the FA Cup and led Chelsea to a historic Champions League victory over Bayern Munich, securing the club's first UCL title. However, a poor Champions League group stage performance the following season led to his dismissal after a 3-0 loss to Juventus.
Antonio Conte (2016-2018):
Antonio Conte arrived in 2016 and made an immediate impact, setting a record for 13 consecutive Premier League wins. He became the first coach to win three consecutive Manager of the Month awards. Conte led Chelsea to the Premier League title with 30 wins from 38 matches in his first season. Despite finishing fifth in his second season, he left on a high note with an FA Cup victory.
Maurizio Sarri (2018-2019):
Maurizio Sarri took over in 2018 and faced an early setback with a Community Shield loss to Manchester City. Despite a controversial League Cup final where goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga refused to be substituted, Sarri secured his first major title by winning the Europa League with a 4-1 victory over Arsenal.
Aside from Ranieri, every Italian at the Bridge has won titles, setting high expectations for the next Italian manager in SW6. As Maresca steps into this storied role, he faces the dual challenge of maintaining this legacy and navigating the current instability at the club with players coming in and going out of Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea will kick off their pre-season tour in California with a match against Wrexham on Wednesday, July 24. The Enzo Maresca era is nearly upon us.