Chelsea legend John Terry has blasted Enzo Maresca for his “confusing” deployment of full-backs since taking charge at Stamford Bridge.
Enzo Maresca’s managerial tenure at Chelsea has recently come under intense scrutiny, with several club legends openly criticizing his tactical decisions. The most vocal among them are John Terry and William Gallas, both of whom have expressed concerns over Maresca’s strategies following Chelsea’s 1-0 defeat to Arsenal on March 16, 2025.
John Terry’s Concerns Over Tactical Confusion
John Terry, a stalwart of Chelsea’s defense, has voiced his dissatisfaction with Maresca’s deployment of full-backs in midfield roles. Terry believes that this approach is “confusing” for both the players and the fans, stating that it disrupts the traditional defensive solidity that Chelsea is known for. He emphasized that defenders stepping into midfield roles can lead to discomfort, as they are not accustomed to receiving the ball with their backs to goal. citeturn0search1
William Gallas Critiques ‘1980s’ Tactics
William Gallas, another former Chelsea defender, has criticized Maresca’s tactics as reminiscent of outdated footballing styles. He described the approach as “like being back in 1980,” highlighting the use of man-to-man marking and the surprising deployment of Reece James in midfield. Gallas questioned the rationale behind such strategies in modern football, suggesting that they left the team vulnerable and lacking intensity.
Broader Concerns Over Tactical Direction
These critiques are part of a broader pattern of dissatisfaction with Maresca’s tactical direction. Frank Leboeuf, another Chelsea legend, expressed frustration over the manager’s decision to employ an overly aggressive, high-line strategy against Manchester City, which he felt exposed the team’s defensive vulnerabilities. citeturn0search6 Additionally, fans and pundits have noted a decline in Chelsea’s attacking performance, with the team struggling to create opportunities and exhibiting a lack of intensity in recent matches.
Maresca’s Tactical Philosophy Under Scrutiny
Maresca’s preference for controlling possession and deploying full-backs in inverted roles has been a topic of discussion. While some argue that this approach offers tactical flexibility, others feel it disrupts the team’s traditional defensive solidity and attacking fluency. The mixed reviews suggest that the strategy may not be yielding the desired results.
The criticisms from Chelsea legends highlight a growing concern among former players and fans regarding Enzo Maresca’s tactical approach. As the season progresses, it remains to be seen whether Maresca will adjust his strategies to address these concerns and lead Chelsea back to their former glory.
