‘Enzo Maresca told to play Reece James for next five games by ex-Chelsea boss’
Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca may have to stop chopping and changing with captain Reece James, according to Glenn Hoddle.
The Blues began the season in fine form, looking like title contenders alongside Liverpool, in the wake of Man City’s dreadful form.
However, Maresca is now facing the sack at Chelsea, as his side have completely fallen apart since Christmas.
Much has been made of the Blues’ transfer policy, that has seen them invest heavily into a plethora of young talent, leading to a bloated squad for the former Leicester manager.
Trevoh Chalobah is now set to leave Chelsea in the summer, after the defender was loaned to Crystal Palace at the beginning of the season, then re-called.
The defender’s uncertain and ever-changing situation is indicative of a rather haphazard squad building process with Todd Boehly at the helm, causing uncertainty for Maresca as he attempts to settle on a preferred starting XI.
Glenn Hoddle tells Enzo Maresca to find a starting XI and stick with it
Speaking to The Athletic, former Chelsea and England manager Hoddle insists Maresca needs to find a settled side to get over the current issues, saying:
“There is a frailty there and injuries, too, but now is the time for a settled side. They need the same team week in, week out, so they can understand how to play together. He just needs to choose who it is.
“If Chelsea lose the first one, just go again. Not enough teams do that. If they get a couple of good results, the team will grow and then the players from the bench know they have to do more to break into the XI.
“Here’s just one example. Reece James has had to be protected a little as he comes back from an injury. But now he has played a few games, if he is the one you want, play him for the next five games.
“The same goes for Marc Cucurella on the other side. Maresca has options, but don’t tinker with it, just play your strongest team and they can get back to where they were.”
The Italian manager has the weight of an expectant fanbase on his back, but also the difficulty of trying to accommodate for a squad full of talented players who all want to play.
James has been injured for the majority of the season, and whilst Maresca likely does want to play James for the next five games, the England right-back’s injury record suggests that might be an un-wise decision.
Chelsea must remain patient with Enzo Maresca and young squad
Football Insider Verdict
Maresca has inflicted the curse of winning upon himself this season, and is now paying the price.
Little was expected of the Blues, as they attempt to develop a young squad full of talent, but lacking in winning expertise, into a dominant side.
However, the goalposts were moved somewhat following early-season success, the expectation this year wasn’t to win the Premier League, but getting close to the top of the table has made many forget that.
| 2024/25 Premier League table | Games played | Goal difference | Points |
| 1. Liverpool | 26 | +36 | 61 |
| 2. Arsenal | 25 | +29 | 53 |
| 3. Nottingham Forest | 25 | +12 | 47 |
| 4. Man City | 25 | +17 | 44 |
| 5. Bournemouth | 25 | +15 | 43 |
| 6. Chelsea | 25 | +13 | 43 |
Cole Palmer has suffered a drop-off in terms of output for Chelsea, and his issues highlight the difficulties that the weight of expectation brings.
If the Blues are smart, they will remain staunch, and back their talented manager over the coming seasons, allowing him to continue building the project he was brought in to helm.