Jamie Carragher has voiced significant doubts about Enzo Maresca’s long-term suitability for Chelsea, despite the Italian’s impressive recent performance. The core of Carragher’s concern isn’t Maresca’s ability, but rather the limitations of the current Chelsea squad and the potential for stagnation.
Carragher draws a parallel to the situations unfolding at Manchester United and Tottenham, suggesting that simply hiring a “bigger name” doesn’t guarantee improvement. He argues that these clubs have demonstrated the ease with which a team can acquire a manager who ultimately falls short of expectations.
The former Liverpool defender acknowledges Maresca’s tactical prowess and confidence, noting the remarkable work he’s achieved with a Chelsea team demonstrably inferior to the Premier League’s established elite. This success, Carragher believes, has emboldened Maresca to challenge the club’s ownership and sporting directors.
However, Carragher questions whether Maresca can elevate Chelsea significantly further given the existing player pool. He wonders if the next step up, competing consistently with the very best, is achievable with the current roster, despite Maresca’s clear abilities.
A key point raised is the limited upward mobility for Maresca himself. Where could he realistically go that offers a more promising opportunity than Chelsea, a club with immense potential despite its current challenges?
Carragher firmly believes Maresca possesses the tactical acumen to compete with the league’s top managers – figures like Pep Guardiola and Arne Slot – and has even proven his capabilities on the Champions League stage against formidable opponents like Barcelona. He sees Maresca as a coach fully equipped to operate at the highest level.
Ultimately, Carragher’s assessment isn’t a dismissal of Maresca’s talent, but a cautious observation about the complex interplay between managerial skill and the quality of the players at their disposal. He suggests Chelsea’s decision will be pivotal, potentially defining the club’s trajectory for years to come.
