If you’re aiming to discuss Chelsea alongside the World and European Champions, there’s just one more hurdle to cross: Chelsea itself. But can Enzo Maresca’s squad become the first to simultaneously hold the Conference League, Club World Cup, and Premier League titles (though none of these are actual belts, they certainly should be)?
When I spoke with Levi Colwill, he expressed confidence that achieving the sport’s top honor is not only feasible but a necessity for anyone donning their colors.
“We are a united team, and that’s what embodies Chelsea’s spirit,” he stated. We will secure the Club World Cup title. “We support one another through thick and thin. I see myself as a player in the mold of John Terry, Frank Lampard, or Didier Drogba—heroes who laid the groundwork for us.”
“They were all exceptional talents who achieved great success, and now we have our own top players—especially the younger members of our squad—and that’s key to our goal of clinching Chelsea’s major trophies. We believe we can do this, and we’ve demonstrated our capabilities.”
He hardly found fault with the academy products, winning the competition in the 2020-21 Champions League a decade after his tenure, and he emphasized that it was not merely the afterglow of Chelsea’s peak performance. Maresca’s tactical plan was flawlessly executed; his team played boldly, with organization and fearlessness. If they can sustain that approach over a 38-game season, their potential is limitless.
However, that is indeed the challenge. Chelsea did not maintain that elite level consistently during Maresca’s inaugural season, finishing 15 points behind Liverpool and missing out on top five spots at the halfway mark, despite the manager’s attempts to downplay title expectations. The final Premier League standings placed them reasonably in third to fifth, reflecting the ups and downs of November and December, but still far from title contention.
Last season’s points tally was subpar for Chelsea. While they boasted the third-best defensive record in the league by conceding just 43 goals, their total of 64 goals scored left much to be desired. Their expected goal difference was 21.16, significantly lagging behind Liverpool’s, indicating they underperformed.
Their victory over PSG was particularly notable because of its unexpected nature. Last season, Chelsea managed only one win, with four losses and one draw against the other top four teams. Luis Enrique’s European champions managed only 17 touches in the box, which is four fewer than Chelsea’s average opponent in the Premier League. The early parts of the game reflected certain passivity, yet Maresca’s players were spectacular, showcasing an uncommon dynamic.
How Chelsea outplayed Paris Saint-Germain to capture the Club World Cup title
Preferably Cattry
Yet, there’s a concern that the Cup could misrepresent Chelsea’s advancement under Maresca. They did what they had to do in the Conference League, and their success in the Club World Cup felt somewhat fortuitous, particularly after Benfica eliminated Bayern Munich in the Round of 16. Al Hilal and Fulminense also made it easier for them to face Manchester City and Inter.
This isn’t to downplay the achievement of defeating the European champions or to diminish the happiness of fans witnessing that prestigious gold badge on their sponsor-free kits (the atmosphere certainly deserves mention). It should, however, be weighed against Todd Boehly’s strong praise for Chelsea’s Club World Cup journey. “The players showed they are a force to be reckoned with,” he told Talksport.
Nonetheless, this does create momentum, right? While it’s vital, skepticism looms regarding balancing five weeks of rest and preparation before the 2025-26 season. Chelsea has evidently improved since last season. However, questions arise about the effectiveness of their transfer strategy.
Joao Pedro had a promising start, but he faces challenges, having scored just 10 goals in his last 58 Premier League games. In contrast, his peers at Manchester United and AC Milan netted 24 goals, with markedly better shooting metrics. Swapping Noni Maduce for Jamie Gittens adds depth on the left flank, an area where Chelsea has struggled considerably. Still, the pressure remains to see if new signings can deliver at a higher level than their predecessors.
An intriguing element of Chelsea’s approach is the potential to enhance the team’s quality, especially now that their Club World Cup success has opened up financial opportunities. They could easily invest in star players, focusing on a top-tier striker and securing a solid defender while also bringing in another goalkeeper. With these moves, the team could align well across all positions.
Ultimately, the outlook remains promising for a squad anchored by Moises Caiceto, with Call Palmer providing creative flair. With talents like Reece James, Marc Cucurella, and Enzo Fernandez surrounding them, the team has great potential. However, it’s still a significant distance from calling itself a title contender, particularly as their transfer strategy raises concerns.
Nevertheless, Chelsea’s highest potential is a team capable of outperforming European champions, and while they seem to have grown alongside PSG, there’s a foundation for optimism. They will need ample consistency at this level before the world champions can realistically aim to be the best in their league.
Fan Take: This news matters to soccer fans as it illustrates Chelsea’s evolving identity under Enzo Maresca and their potential for success. The challenges they face not only impact their future but also reflect the broader dynamics in club football, influencing competitive balance and fans’ aspirations across the sport.
