Maresca Emerges as Chelsea’s New Hope After Burnley Triumph

Better than Ancelotti? Maresca joins Chelsea greats with Burnley win
Better than Ancelotti? Maresca joins Chelsea greats with Burnley win
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    <p>Burnley 0-2 Chelsea</p>

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        <p><img alt="Maresca joins Chelsea greats with Burnley win" src="https://tmssl.akamaized.net//images/foto/galerie/enzo-maresca-1763825206-183382.jpg" title="Maresca joins Chelsea greats with Burnley win"></p>
        <p><span>©IMAGO</span></p>
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    <p>When Enzo Maresca took the helm at Chelsea in July 2024, there were legitimate concerns regarding his managerial experience, having only managed Leicester City and Parma prior. However, after his 82nd match in all competitions, he has firmly established himself among Chelsea’s footballing elite. His achievements include winning the UEFA Conference League and the FIFA Club World Cup, and his improving managerial statistics surpass those of respected figures like Carlo Ancelotti.</p>

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        <p>Club Comparison</p>

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            <p>Premier League</p>
            <p>Premier League</p>
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            <p>€247.15m</p>
            <p>Market Value</p>
            <p>€1.14bn</p>
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            <p>First Tier</p>
            <p>League Level</p>
            <p>First Tier</p>
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            <p>€128.65m</p>
            <p>Expenditures 25/26</p>
            <p>€339.15m</p>
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            <p>Scott Parker</p>
            <p>Managers</p>
            <p>Enzo Maresca</p>
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        <p><span>Full Club Comparison</span></p>
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    <p>Following Chelsea's 2-0 win over Burnley on Saturday, Maresca's average stands at 2.04 points per game, placing him sixth in the all-time rankings for Chelsea managers at Stamford Bridge. Only Avram Grant, Antonio Conte, José Mourinho, Thomas Tuchel, and Maurizio Sarri have recorded better averages. Notably, Maresca’s record is even superior to that of Ancelotti, who won the Premier League and FA Cup during his two seasons with the club.</p>

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    <p>Burnley hadn't triumphed against Chelsea at Turf Moor since 1983. Despite spirited performances against Arsenal and Chelsea, the Clarets were confident. Maresca had to manage without Cole Palmer and Moises Caicedo, who was rested after playing back-to-back matches for Ecuador. Nevertheless, his strategic adaptability continues to evolve, making both him and Chelsea a formidable force.</p>

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    <p><img alt="Enzo Maresca PPG record" height="629" src="https://tmssl.akamaized.net//images/foto/newsansicht/chelsea-maresca-ppg-1763825479-183384.png?lm=1763825517" title="Enzo Maresca PPG record" width="503"></p>

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    <p>While Chelsea's performance wasn't their best, it showcased their resilience. At present, the team is successfully gathering points without being at their peak. Burnley’s solid defense and counter-attacking threat, particularly through Zian Flemming, posed challenges. The first half illustrated both Chelsea's strengths—dominating possession—and weaknesses—lack of urgency. A long pass found Marc Cucurella, who set up Jamie Gittens for a stunning cross that Pedro Neto converted with a superb header, marking his third goal in five appearances after only managing one in the previous seven.</p>

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    <p>Chances were limited for both teams, but Chelsea controlled possession well, with Andrey Santos excelling in Caicedo’s role. They pressed for a second goal and finally secured it in the 88th minute when Marc Guiu's quick thinking to cut back the ball to Enzo Fernandez led to a goal, effectively sealing the victory. The celebrations highlighted the unity within the squad under Maresca’s guidance.</p>

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    <p><img alt="Burnley 0-2 Chelsea" height="629" src="https://tmssl.akamaized.net//images/foto/newsansicht/burnley-chelsea-1763825331-183383.png?lm=1763825344" title="Burnley 0-2 Chelsea" width="503"></p>

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    <p>Although the tactical execution isn’t flawless, it’s sufficient to elevate Chelsea to second place in the Premier League, just three points behind Arsenal. Maresca's next significant challenge will be a pivotal Champions League match against Barcelona, which will test his capabilities against his predecessors.</p>
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