The international break is a frustrating time for fans of club football, but for managers – especially those newly appointed, and those known for their thorough and detailed approaches to coaching – it provides a great opportunity to work in depth on issues they do not usually have time for.
Given Enzo Maresca fits into both of those categories, this fortnight of respite from individual match preparation should yield particularly positive results for Chelsea.
The new manager has been rightly praised for cutting through the potential confusion of a giant squad by picking and sticking with a consistent selection. But that rhythm has started to break down in recent weeks, especially in defence. While the centre-backs remain fixed, the full-backs have been fluid.
The return of Reece James from injury after the last international break was a boost to the squad – but it has opened up so many new options that Maresca is now tinkering more than he had been.
We have seen James used on the left and the right; Malo Gusto on both sides and playing inverted; and Marc Cucurella dropped unexpectedly for a month, then slotted back in to face Arsenal.
Maresca loves Gusto’s versatility, but the Frenchman seems to be suffering from the endless shuffling, and his form has not been good this season. James is by far the most effective attacker of the three, but is still getting up to speed physically. Cucurella remains a mystery – capable of excellent individual performances and dreadful, frantic outings, without much in between.
If there is one thing Chelsea fans will hope Maresca has established in this break it is a clear plan of how to use his options at full-back – for creating more threatening attacking possession to support the frontline and for stabilising a defence that still concedes too many soft goals.
Find more from Will Faulks at Chelsea News
