Rob Tanner, The Athletic’s Leicester City correspondent, attended 44 out of Enzo Maresca’s 53 matches across all competitions during the 2023-24 season, with the remaining nine watched from a distance. Over the past year, Tanner has conducted one-on-one interviews with Maresca and engaged with the Leicester manager during press conferences.
Opposition managers consistently acknowledged Leicester City’s strong coaching under Maresca when reflecting on matches against them in the Championship last season. Regardless of the outcome, nearly every manager who faced Maresca’s Leicester reached a similar conclusion.
After Leicester’s unexpected relegation from the Premier League in 2022-23, club owner Aiyawatt ‘Khun Top’ Srivaddhanaprabha sought a new direction with a modern style of play. Many fans desired an ambitious young manager capable of revitalizing the team and establishing a new identity. Their wishes were fulfilled with the appointment of Maresca.
Although Maresca had built a solid coaching reputation, notably contributing to Manchester City’s treble success in 2023, his selection as manager was perceived as a risk for a club in transition. Despite limited managerial experience—with only 14 games as head coach, notably with Parma in 2021—Maresca’s track record included a stint with a similarly relegated team aiming for promotion. However, his tenure with Parma ended prematurely after six months.
Chelsea’s interest in Maresca presents a comparable risk, akin to their pursuit of the Leicester manager. The club has initiated contact with Leicester City and aims to finalize a deal for Maresca to become their next head coach by the week’s end.
While Chelsea fans may harbor doubts about Maresca, his commitment and hunger for success are undeniable. Maresca’s meticulous approach and work ethic illustrate his dedication to the task at hand.
Maresca’s Tactical Transformation: From Premier League Glory to Championship Challenge
Transitioning from being Pep Guardiola’s assistant at the pinnacle of English and European football to managing in the Championship, Maresca meticulously prepared for his new role. He immersed himself in Leicester’s relegation season, analyzing every game multiple times to understand the team’s strengths and weaknesses. His approach emphasized tactical acumen over physical conditioning, with extensive video analysis of both Leicester and their opponents.
Rather than opting for traditional pre-season routines, Maresca chose to reside at Leicester’s training base, dedicating himself to the club’s ethos and vision. He prioritized dynamic and engaging training sessions, utilizing video analysis to ensure players understood the rationale behind each tactical decision. Maresca’s commitment to innovation and player development was evident, with a focus on continual learning and adaptation.
In his Masterclass video for The Coaches’ Voice, Maresca illustrated his tactical prowess, meticulously planning strategies to overcome opponents. Despite initial skepticism from players, Maresca’s methods eventually resonated, fostering a collective understanding and cohesion essential for success. Dewsbury-Hall highlighted the transformative impact of Maresca’s approach, noting how it gradually became second nature for the squad, akin to the elite teams’ cohesive dynamics.
Embracing Enzo Maresca’s Style: Leicester’s Tactical Evolution and Fan Adaption
If some fans initially hesitated, particularly towards the patient, possession-oriented style of play, the players fully embraced and enjoyed it. After all, which player wouldn’t prefer to dictate play rather than chase after the ball?
According to Dewsbury-Hall, Leicester began to find their rhythm in October: “We faced Swansea and conceded early, but we stuck to our style and secured a 3-1 victory. We played attractive football, earning praise from opponents who acknowledged our quality. It’s gratifying when others recognize our approach is effective. Personally, I relish it. Playing with freedom, producing excellent football, and creating chances – it’s the ideal approach.”
Leicester supporters have grown accustomed to it – a 4-3-3 shape transitioning into a 4-5-1 when defending, yet evolving into a dynamic 3-2-5 during possession. Throughout the season, Leicester predominantly controlled possession in matches.
One of the full-backs, often Ricardo Pereira or occasionally Hamza Choudhury, shifts inward to form a midfield duo in front of a back three (or four, counting the versatile goalkeeper Mads Hermansen), while the two attacking midfielders advance into a fluid attacking quintet.
When executed flawlessly, this tactical scheme led to 31 league victories, the highest in the Championship over the past decade, prompting chants from fans: “Straight back up I pray, playing the Enzo way.”
However, when opposing teams adopted deep defensive setups to frustrate Leicester, the mood among supporters, especially older fans accustomed to a more direct style of football, could sour. It’s a reminder that patience is paramount in such situations.
Assessing Maresca’s Premier League Prospects and Managerial Style
Could Maresca’s tactics translate to the Premier League? Leicester’s performances against Liverpool and Chelsea provide some insight, though Chelsea’s narrow victory underscores the challenge ahead. Despite the scare, Maresca’s coaching prowess suggests he could manage a squad of Chelsea’s caliber, handling any issues with a firm hand.
Maresca maintains a friendly rapport with his players but demands respect and professionalism. While he openly discusses frustrations, such as financial concerns and transfer issues, his sensitivity may need to be balanced with resilience, given the heightened media scrutiny in the Premier League.
In his managerial approach, Maresca remains steadfast, emphasizing his tactical philosophy and commitment to his vision. He’s unapologetic about his style, even threatening to resign if his methods are questioned. With a consistent tactical setup and unwavering belief in his approach, Maresca offers Chelsea fans clarity amidst managerial uncertainty.
While Maresca may lack the high-profile reputation of previous Chelsea managers, his self-awareness and steadfastness could offer a refreshing change. Amidst the club’s recent managerial struggles, embracing Maresca’s approach might be the transformative shift Chelsea needs.
