{"id":10930,"date":"2025-08-06T07:46:43","date_gmt":"2025-08-06T07:46:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.365scores.com\/news\/?p=10930"},"modified":"2025-08-06T07:46:45","modified_gmt":"2025-08-06T07:46:45","slug":"chelsea-season-preview-marescas-blues-are-looking-hungry","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.365scores.com\/news\/chelsea-season-preview-marescas-blues-are-looking-hungry","title":{"rendered":"Chelsea Season Preview – Maresca’s Blues are looking hungry"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Stamford Bridge is alive with anticipation. Chelsea\u2019s<\/a> 2024-2025 season was a rollercoaster: a
fourth-place Premier League<\/a> finish, a Conference League<\/a> triumph, and a Club World Cup<\/a> victory
that sent fans into a frenzy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Now, as the 2025-2026 season dawns, the question is whether the Blues can parlay their
European success into a serious Premier League title challenge. With Enzo Maresca<\/a> at the helm,
a squad brimming with young talent like Estevao<\/a> and established stars like Cole Palmer<\/a>, and a
flurry of new signings, Chelsea are ready to make waves. But injuries, a crowded midfield, and
the weight of expectations could make this a bumpy ride. Let\u2019s break down what\u2019s in store for
the Blues.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A Season of Trophies and Top-Four Grit<\/strong>
Last season was a tale of redemption for Chelsea. After a rocky start under new manager Enzo
Maresca, including an opening-day loss to Manchester City<\/a>, the Blues found their groove, losing
just one of their next 16 Premier League games. They finished fourth with 69 points, securing a
Champions League<\/a> spot for 2025-2026 – their first in three years.
The real magic happened in Europe, though. Chelsea crushed Real Betis 4-1 in the Conference
League final, with Cole Palmer earning Man of the Match honors for two assists. They followed
it up with a 3-0 thrashing of Paris Saint-Germain<\/a> in the Club World Cup final, with Palmer
scoring twice and assisting once. These were Chelsea\u2019s first silverware under new owners
BlueCo, and it proved they\u2019re back among the elite. But the Premier League title? That\u2019s the big
prize, and they\u2019re itching to chase it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Enzo Maresca: The New Boss with Big Plans<\/strong>
Enzo Maresca\u2019s first season at Chelsea was a statement. Hired from Leicester City<\/a> on a five-year
deal, he brought a tactical edge that turned heads. His high-pressing, possession-based style,
honed at Leicester, transformed Chelsea from a disjointed outfit into a cohesive unit. By October,
he was Premier League Manager of the Month, and Cole Palmer\u2019s four-goal haul against
Brighton<\/a> earned him Player of the Month.
A mid-season wobble, starting with a Boxing Day loss to Fulham<\/a>, saw them settle for fourth, but
the trophies kept spirits high. Maresca\u2019s challenge now is to build on that momentum. With a
packed schedule, Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup<\/a>, and EFL Cup<\/a>, it\u2019s on him to
keep the squad firing on all cylinders.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"
(Photo by Robin Jones\/Getty Images)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The Squad: Youth, Flair, and a Few Question Marks<\/strong>
Chelsea\u2019s squad is a dazzling mix of young prospects and proven stars. Cole Palmer is the
talisman, a 23-year-old maestro whose four goals in a single half against Brighton and heroics in
the Conference League and Club World Cup finals have made him a fan favorite. Reece James<\/a>,
the club captain, is a world-class right-back when fit, though injuries remain a concern. Marc
Cucurella <\/a>has locked down the left-back spot, while Moises Caicedo<\/a> and Enzo Fern\u00e1ndez<\/a> anchor
the midfield with grit and guile. Up top, Liam Delap<\/a> is set to bring pace and power.
The new kids on the block are stealing the show, though. Estevao, the 18-year-old Brazilian
wonderkid from Palmeiras, joined this summer and already looks like a future star, with a goal
and two assists in the Club World Cup (including for Palmeiras against Chelsea!).
Jamie Gittens<\/a>, a 20-year-old winger from Borussia Dortmund<\/a>, adds Bundesliga<\/a> experience and
flair. Jorrel Hato, a 19-year-old versatile defender from Ajax<\/a>, can play center-back or left-back,
challenging Cucurella and Levi Colwill<\/a>. Delap from Ipswich and Joao Pedro<\/a> from Brighton
bolster the attack as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n \ud83d\udea8\n OFFICIAL: Jorrel Hato joins Chelsea from Ajax! \n\ufffd\n\ufffd\u270d\n

The 19-year-old defensive talent has signed a long-term deal until 2032 at Stamford Bridge. \n\ufffd\n\ufffd\ud83d\udcaa\n

One for the future \u2014 and maybe the present too. \n\ufffd\n\ufffd\n pic.twitter.com\/Tc9otoipwc<\/a><\/p>— 365Scores (@365Scores) August 3, \n2025<\/a><\/blockquote>