Filipe Luis, the Flamengo manager and former Chelsea defender, holds Enzo Maresca in high regard.
Enzo Maresca is entering his second year in charge at Chelsea and looking to build on what was a strong first season.
Following last term’s success in both the Club World Cup and Conference League, coupled with a fourth-place finish in the Premier League, there is undoubtedly heightened external pressure around the Blues.
The Italian manager still has time left on his deal at Stamford Bridge. He has told Juventus he has no plans to leave Chelsea before it runs out in 2029.
One consistent theme during his tenure at Stamford Bridge is how well-prepared his team usually are for games against top opposition. However, breaking down sides that sit deep remains an ongoing challenge he needs to address moving forward.
Filipe Luis makes it clear that teams have to be ready to play Chelsea
Luis spent a season at Stamford Bridge as a player between 2014 and 2015, and he is now managing Flamengo, one of the biggest clubs in Brazil.
Even though Flamengo managed to beat Chelsea during the Club World Cup group stage over the summer, Luis has shown plenty of respect for Maresca’s side.
He made it clear that any team facing them needs to prepare properly, or risk being completely outplayed.
“I believe in Chelsea because of the way I see Maresca playing and his style. When he thinks about football, it’s really difficult to play against Chelsea.
“For every manager, if you’re going to play Chelsea, you have to prepare for this game really well; otherwise, you’re not going to touch the ball,” the former left-back said on The Obi One podcast.
How Enzo Maresca has fared so far as Chelsea boss
Maresca’s overall record at Chelsea looks solid, though there is room for improvement. Reducing the number of losses and turning them into draws could make a noticeable difference over the long season.
| Matches | Wins | Draws | Losses | Trophies |
| 78 | 49 | 11 | 18 | 2 |
Last season saw real progress from this young Blues squad. The question now is whether Maresca can help them take another crucial step this year.
Gary Neville has pointed out the team’s inconsistency early in the campaign. It is tough to pin down because they can look brilliant one week and then completely off the pace the next.
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This weekend’s trip to Tottenham will be a good test of where they stand right now.
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