It would be no surprise that Chelsea fans are watching the upcoming 2024/25 Premier League season with some trepidation.
Up to date Sports Betting With Chelsea the fourth-best odds-on favourites to win the title, it’s no wonder expectations are running high at Stamford Bridge.
But a 4-1 defeat to Celtic in a pre-season friendly underscored just how much work new manager Enzo Maresca has ahead of him this season.
Maresca’s comments following Chelsea’s crushing defeat to Celtic will not have inspired fans or sports bettors with confidence in Chelsea’s chances of winning the title.
“After the ball is turned off, the situation needs to improve.” Maresca said. “Sometimes we see confusion about when to play short and when to play a little longer, but that’s part of the process.
“We kept a high line but we have to drop the ball when we’re not under pressure. We’re still confusing some things with the ball and without the ball. That’s normal at the moment when you’re trying something new.”
Chelsea enjoyed the upper hand in possession against Celtic but a poor defensive display dashed their hopes of gaining much-needed confidence ahead of the new season.
Maresca insists the Blues are ready for their opening game against Manchester City, but fans will understandably be anxious about the season ahead.
One of the biggest concerns is whether Maresca is fit to take on the managerial role, with the Italian yet to prove himself in the Premier League.
He led Leicester City back to the top flight at his first attempt last season, but a closer look at his record paints a worrying picture.
The Foxes have won just six of their last 14 games in the Championship, leaving many fans questioning his risky tactical methods.
Chelsea’s decision to replace Mauricio Pochettino with Maresca at the end of last season was a huge surprise.
Co-owner Todi Boelli has made a series of questionable decisions since taking over the club and sacking Pochettino could prove to be yet another one.
Chelsea’s indiscriminate approach to transfer dealings shows no sign of abating this summer, adding to the club’s uncertainty.
Nonetheless, the Maresca squad will have to be at full strength when the new season begins at Stamford Bridge on August 18.
A win against the former champions would be a huge statement of intent and give Chelsea fans hope that the club can have a productive season.
Having spent a fortune on transfers over the past few transfer windows, it is vital that Chelsea show they can be genuine title contenders.
Manchester City Manager Pep Guardiola Back in November last year, I claimed Chelsea would soon be competing for the title again and the club must live up to that expectation.
Some fans might argue that re-entering the top four represents progress, and that would be a strong argument.
But given the amount of money Boelli has invested in the squad since arriving at Stamford Bridge, it will be considered a failure unless they challenge for the title.