Signing ENZO MARESCA is the best decision Boehly and Clearlake have made since buying Chelsea. Purely based on football and no emotions. Poch ended well. We could've been tempted to keep going with him. But in terms of squad suitability, he was off. I remember saying we needed a positional manager or we give Poch the right players and that starts with keeping Gallagher. The club did the right thing. Pochettino's football is outdated in a way and physically draining. I watched USA in Gold Cup, and the way he spread the defence reminded me of his time at Chelsea. One of the things I didn't like about his football. The buildup was rigid and players too far from each other during the buildup. He spreads them like Amorim. Which means one mistake, big chance for the opponent. Maresca is completely different. The 3-2 buildup shape is super narrow. And the attacking midfielders use their movements to receive. My dream build-up shape since 2022. It suits our players a lot better. Another underrated aspect of Maresca is how he manages the players physically. It's not his physical exercise program or the highway. He's very adaptable. During the CWC, he gave players more off days than training days. I was also shocked. That's a genius move. Most managers today believe that players can only be fit and ready if they go through rigorous physical drills before games. It could be true but how about their state of mind? A relaxed and happy player can play through his limit but a sad and uncomfortable player despite the drills may not play to 50% of his physical capacity in the game. Balance is important here. Keep them happy and let them run through brick walls for you. Cruyff used to let Romario party before games because he believed that training wasn't bringing out his best but happiness did. And each time he came back from night party he banged goals like never before and he let him do that. My point is, Enzo Maresca brought a lot to this group that they needed which has elevated their game. From tactics to fitness management to philosophy to open-mindedness. Understanding what the group needs and giving it to them even against his wishes or beliefs. He's been truly transformational. One of our best signings in recent years. And I know he's only getting started.
