Enzo Maresca’s tactical shift at Chelsea has slowed the team’s attacking fluency, leading to growing discontent among fans and visible frustration from star player Cole Palmer.
Chelsea’s style of play has drastically changed under Enzo Maresca, moving from a dynamic, counter-attacking approach in the first half of the season to a slower, possession-based system. While Maresca believes this philosophy will establish Chelsea as a dominant force in the long run, results and performances have suffered in the short term. Fans, who once saw Chelsea as one of the league’s most entertaining teams, are now growing frustrated with their lack of attacking intent.
Star man Cole Palmer has struggled in this new system, failing to register a goal or assist in nine games as opposition teams find it easier to defend against Chelsea’s slower build-up. Maresca's rigid approach, despite tactical tweaks, has stifled the creative freedom that made Chelsea so dangerous earlier in the season. The atmosphere at Stamford Bridge has grown tense, with Maresca visibly frustrated at the lack of fan support. With crucial matches against Arsenal and Tottenham on the horizon, pressure is mounting on the manager to turn things around before dissatisfaction spreads beyond social media.
