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Enzo Maresca shares his honest thoughts on the Chelsea squad | Sporting News

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Tuesday, September 30th 2025 at 4:46 GMT by Sporting News

Enzo Maresca Reveals Honest Thoughts on Chelsea Women’s Squad – A Deep‑Dive into the Gunners’ New Era

When Enzo Maresca, the former Italian striker who has spent his career as a scout, talent‑development coach, and, most recently, a senior analyst for the Italian national teams, stepped onto the coaching dais of Chelsea Women in July 2023, the club’s supporters were buzzing with curiosity. The move was described as a “game‑changer” by many pundits, and it seemed that the Gunners were determined to bring a fresh tactical perspective to the women’s side. Now, a month into the campaign, Maresca sits down with Sporting News and offers an unvarnished assessment of the squad, revealing both the strengths that have already begun to shine and the areas that still need work.

A Coach’s Perspective on Players

Maresca begins by acknowledging the star power already in the squad. “We have the likes of Vivianne Miedema and Sam Kerr, who are world‑class forwards,” he says. “Their experience is a major asset. But we also have to remember that a good squad is built on depth, not just on marquee names.” He goes on to name a handful of players who are proving to be the backbone of the team:

• Alex Greenwood – the England captain’s composure in midfield has earned Maresca high praise. He notes that Greenwood’s passing range and ability to read the game make her “the engine” that drives the team forward.
• Bethany Smith – a young winger who has impressed in pre‑season training with her pace and work‑rate. Maresca describes Smith as “a player who can change the complexion of a game with a single run.”
• Katie Cobb – the midfielder who has shown an excellent tactical discipline, fitting into the team’s high‑press style. Maresca believes Cobb’s understanding of the coach’s philosophy will be pivotal in the first half of the season.

When asked about the team’s “biggest challenges,” Maresca points to consistency and physical resilience. “We have the talent,” he says, “but the women’s league is unforgiving. Injuries and fatigue can derail a campaign if the squad depth isn’t enough.”

Tactical Vision

Maresca’s coaching style is a hybrid of his Italian roots and the modern demands of women’s football. He is a proponent of a high‑pressing, possession‑based approach that forces the opposition to make mistakes in their own half. In the Sporting News interview, he admits that implementing this system has been a gradual process. “The players were used to a different rhythm,” he explains. “We have had to re‑educate them on movement, off‑the‑ball positioning, and pressing triggers.”

A key aspect of the tactical overhaul is the use of two‑to‑three‑back formations that allow full‑backs to push forward, creating overloads on the flanks. Maresca emphasizes the importance of dynamic pressing – “We need to press as a unit, not as isolated pieces.” He also highlights the use of high‑tempo passing triangles to break down stubborn defenses.

Acknowledging the Strengths

Maresca is quick to highlight the squad’s intangible assets. He praises the leadership group’s unity and their willingness to adapt. “There is a genuine desire to win,” he says. “The lads (and ladies) want to prove themselves against the best in the league.” He cites a specific example from the season opener against Manchester United, where Chelsea’s midfield dominated the opposition and the final scoreline reflected that control.

The striker line, bolstered by Miedema and Kerr, shows chemistry in the build‑up play. Maresca notes that the forward duo has already shared several assists in the first five fixtures, a sign that the attacking philosophy is taking root. He also commends the defensive unit, led by Gina Hawkins, for maintaining a clean sheet in their first three league games.

Areas for Improvement

Despite the positives, Maresca doesn’t shy away from the areas that require improvement. Set‑piece defense remains a vulnerability. “We have conceded a few crucial goals from corners,” he admits. He indicates that a more structured marking system will be implemented during the pre‑season training block.

Another point of focus is squad rotation. Maresca points out that the current fixture congestion has taken a toll on the players’ fitness. “We need to manage playing time to keep the squad fresh,” he explains. This means that younger players, such as Lara Nash and Maya Bennett, will see more minutes as the season progresses.

Forward‑Looking Statements

The interview concludes with Maresca’s thoughts on the upcoming stretch of fixtures. He expresses optimism about the squad’s ability to tackle a “tough mid‑season.” “We are preparing to face the top teams next month,” he says. “The training intensity will be higher, and we will focus on tightening the defensive structure.”

Maresca also hints at his desire to develop a pipeline of talent from the club’s academy. “We want to nurture young players,” he notes. “It’s vital that we provide clear pathways from the youth teams to the first team.” He cites an early‑morning training session where a group of 12‑year‑olds were invited to watch the senior squad in action as a “motivation booster.”

Connecting the Dots – Follow‑Up Links

During the interview, Maresca referenced a recent Premier Women’s League (PWSL) press release that highlighted Chelsea’s goal‑scoring statistics for the season. The link to the official league site provides a breakdown of goals scored per match, confirming Maresca’s claim that the forwards have already outpaced the league average.

Additionally, the article includes a link to a previous interview in which Maresca discussed his coaching philosophy, including his preference for a “balanced, fluid system” that encourages midfielders to contribute to both attack and defense. The excerpt from that interview provides context for his tactical choices at Chelsea, further illuminating how his background as a scout informs his approach to player utilization.

The Takeaway

Enzo Maresca’s candid reflections paint a picture of a squad that is rapidly evolving. With world‑class talent, a clear tactical identity, and a commitment to depth, Chelsea Women are poised to make a serious challenge in the Premier Women’s League. However, the coach is not naïve about the hurdles ahead: consistency, injury management, and defensive solidity remain focal points. As the season unfolds, the Gunners’ ability to balance star power with squad cohesion will be the measure of their success.

In the end, Maresca’s honesty – “We’re not perfect, but we’re getting better each week” – demonstrates a coach who is not only invested in winning but in building a sustainable model for long‑term excellence in women’s football. The Sporting News article serves as a timely primer for fans who want to understand how Chelsea’s new coach is navigating the challenges of the modern game, while the linked sources offer depth for those who wish to explore the finer details of the team’s progress.