Why Maresca’s Long-Term Chelsea Deal Depends on This Single Factor

For the second time in as many years, the leaders of Chelsea FC have chosen a new coach they hope will be a game-changer in today’s fast-paced football world.

Dave Sexton was the last Chelsea manager to last five years at the club, a feat he accomplished back in 1967, long before the current owners were even born.

Today, Chelsea’s trio of successful business owners are confident in their strategy to bring on a head coach who will thrive and grow with the team for years to come.

Enzo Maresca is on the brink of signing a five-year deal to become Chelsea’s new head coach, marking the second time the club’s recent owners have picked someone they believe can defy the trend of short-lived coaching stints.

Despite this, there are doubts outside of Chelsea, especially since Graham Potter, their initial pick for a defining leadership role, didn’t make it past seven months of his five-year term.

Chelsea values Maresca’s experience working with Pep Guardiola, one of Manchester City’s legendary coaches.

They’re hopeful Maresca will follow in the footsteps of Mikel Arteta, who, after learning from Guardiola, has done wonders with Arsenal. The Gunners are in top form, having given Guardiola’s outstanding City team a run for their money, finishing just behind them in the title race.

Arteta’s early days at Arsenal weren’t as smooth, hitting a low in December 2020. After an eighth-place finish and an FA Cup win in the 2019-20 season, Arteta’s first full season saw a slump with a series of winless games leading up to Christmas.

But Arsenal’s management stood firm, and a Boxing Day victory over Chelsea marked the beginning of a turnaround. Since then, with extensive internal changes, Arsenal has been on the upswing.

Arsenal has reshaped its off-field operations to suit Arteta’s vision, placing significant trust in their former player turned head coach.

Chelsea, on the other hand, is taking a different approach, relying on their new footballing structure to succeed through its organization.

The appointment of co-sporting directors Paul Winstanley and Laurence Stewart ensures stability, complemented by a top-notch recruitment and scouting team.

Chelsea’s owners are committed to a system they believe in, hoping it will support their head coach over the long haul.

However, patience will be crucial to ensure Maresca’s tenure at Chelsea lasts.

The club is confident in their squad’s ability to secure a top-four finish, but Mauricio Pochettino’s departure wasn’t just about coming in sixth. Friction with the club’s management played a part, and Pochettino wasn’t entirely without fault.

Ultimately, what was supposed to be a productive partnership turned into a mere arrangement of convenience.

Now, as Chelsea prepares for its seventh managerial change in five years, the club is convinced that Maresca is the right fit for their future.

Even Jose Mourinho, a fan favorite, barely made it past five years in two separate terms. Champions League victor Thomas Tuchel lasted 18 months, as did beloved Frank Lampard, while Antonio Conte stayed for two years.

After two years of constant changes, Chelsea’s young team craves some stability.

With time being an invaluable asset in football, Chelsea must find the right mix of immediate success and sustainable growth.