New Chelsea coach Enzo Maresca makes the stunning claim that ‘We are not the favourites’ against Fluminense in the FIFA Club World Cup semi-final. A deep dive into his tactics, handling of player absences, and the first major test of his five-year plan.
Key Points:
- Underdog Declaration: In a stunning pre-match statement, new Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has publicly declared, ‘We are not the favourites’ for the FIFA Club World Cup semi-final against Fluminense.
- Squad Under Strain: Maresca confirms Chelsea will be without key players for the crucial clash, forcing him to devise ‘different solutions’ and test the depth of his squad under intense tournament pressure.
- Tactical Versatility is Key: The Italian manager is banking on the adaptability of his players, highlighting Moises Caicedo’s ability to ‘play anywhere’ and Joao Pedro’s attacking flexibility as central to his game plan.
- The New Era’s First Test: Having taken the helm just a year ago, this semi-final represents the first major global test of Maresca’s long-term vision for Chelsea, backed by a five-year contract.
The air is thick with anticipation, but inside the Chelsea camp, a calculated campaign of psychological warfare is underway. Enzo Maresca, the new tactical mastermind at the Stamford Bridge controls, has tossed a grenade into the pre-match narrative, publicly abdicating the ‘favourite’ tag ahead of his team’s colossal FIFA Club World Cup semi-final against Brazilian powerhouse Fluminense. It’s a classic gambit from a coach schooled in the high-pressure cauldrons of European football, designed to deflect, motivate, and perhaps, sow a seed of overconfidence in a dangerous opponent.
For a club of Chelsea’s immense wealth and global standing, entering any match as the underdog is almost unthinkable. Yet, that is precisely the picture Maresca is painting. ‘We are not the favourites,’ he stated, the words hanging in the air, a direct challenge to both his own players and the opposition. This isn’t just a soundbite; it’s a strategic move from a manager facing his first true trial by fire on the world stage, just over a year into his tenure. He knows the prize is a spot in the final of a globally prestigious tournament, and he is using every tool at his disposal, both on and off the pitch, to seize it.
Crisis and Creation: Forging Solutions Amid Absences
Maresca’s declaration is not born from a vacuum. The Italian coach is grappling with a significant challenge that would test any manager: key players missing from his lineup at the most critical juncture. While the club has remained tight-lipped on the specific names, Maresca has been open about the reality of their absence. This setback has forced his hand, compelling him to look beyond his preferred starting eleven and prove the value of his five-year mandate: to build a resilient, adaptable squad.
‘We will try to find different solutions,’ Maresca confirmed, signaling a tactical shuffle is imminent. Central to this forced innovation is his ‘Swiss Army knife,’ Moises Caicedo. In a remarkable vote of confidence, Maresca lauded the midfielder’s extreme versatility. ‘He can play anywhere except goalkeeper,’ the coach remarked, before adding the crucial caveat, ‘but it’s about finding balance in the team.’ This suggests Caicedo could be deployed in a surprise role to plug a critical gap, a testament to Maresca’s fluid, problem-solving approach to management—a philosophy likely honed during his time as an assistant to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City.
Unlocking a Fluid Attack: The Maresca Blueprint in Action
While injuries may be forcing his hand defensively, Maresca’s influence on Chelsea’s attack is already bearing fruit. The source of this resurgence is his meticulous ‘lineup tinkering,’ a hands-on approach that has reportedly helped the team’s vital No. 10, Cole Palmer, ‘regain his footing’ during the tournament. After a shaky period, Palmer’s return to form is a tangible result of the new manager’s system taking hold, a system that prioritizes intelligent movement and tactical flexibility over rigid positions.
This philosophy extends to his view of the entire forward line. Maresca has singled out Brazilian attacker Joao Pedro as another source of this crucial versatility. He sees the player not as a fixed striker, but as a dynamic component who can inject unpredictability and unlock stubborn defenses. This focus on adaptable, multi-functional attackers is a hallmark of modern elite coaching. Maresca is not just picking a team; he is building a complex, interchangeable offensive machine. His dismissal of concerns over the hot and humid playing conditions further reinforces this tough, ‘no excuses’ culture. The focus is purely on tactical execution, regardless of the external variables.
The Five-Year Mandate: A New Era’s First Global Test
It’s easy to forget, amidst the high stakes of a Club World Cup semi-final, just how new Maresca is to the Chelsea hot seat. Appointed in June 2024 and officially starting his role on July 1 of that year, he is just beginning to stamp his authority on the club. The hierarchy at Chelsea didn’t just hire a coach; they invested in a long-term project, handing the Italian a formidable five-year contract with an option for a sixth. They bought into the vision he cultivated at Leicester City and the pedigree he established at clubs like Parma and Manchester City.
This tournament is the first major return on that investment. Every tactical decision, every player substitution, and every press conference statement is being scrutinized by the club’s board, its demanding global fanbase, and the wider football world. Surviving a tough match against Palmeiras to reach this stage was the first hurdle. Now, facing a Fluminense side he expects to play with ‘quality and energy,’ Maresca must prove his system can deliver trophies, not just theories.
The stage is set for a titanic struggle. On one side, a proud Brazilian club carrying the hopes of a continent. On the other, a European giant helmed by a new leader attempting to manage a crisis while simultaneously implementing a sophisticated new identity. Maresca has made his opening move, playing the role of the humble underdog. Now, the world waits to see if his team will play the part of the ruthless victor.