Enzo Maresca Reveals Surprise Moment from Last Season Which Gave Him a “Fantastic Feeling”

Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca has shared what he called a “fantastic” moment from last season as he prepares his team for their Club World Cup opener against Los Angeles FC on Monday night.

The Italian coach is currently in the United States with his Chelsea squad as they aim for another trophy, fresh from a season that saw them qualify for the Champions League and win the UEFA Conference League in Maresca’s debut campaign at Stamford Bridge.

While Chelsea’s form took a dip after Christmas — falling from second to fifth in the Premier League — Maresca says what stood out most was how his players stuck to the plan and never lost faith, even during the tough times.

> “What was a fantastic feeling for me was in the moment of the season we struggled, I saw the players continuing to work in the same way,” Maresca told the club’s official website.

“It is very easy to change when you don’t get results, very easy to drop or change. But the players could smell the right things, and they could see the direction was the right one.”

Chelsea had a strong start to the 2024/25 season and were even in the title conversation by Christmas. But as results dropped off in the new year, pressure began to mount on Maresca — especially over his tactical approach. Still, the Blues managed to finish the season on a high, with many of the younger players showing real progress under his guidance.

Maresca has reportedly named five players he believes have grown significantly under his coaching, although those names haven’t been revealed publicly yet.

With Champions League football now secured, Chelsea are expected to strengthen the squad this summer. Their first move has already been made, signing exciting young striker Liam Delap to boost their attacking options.