The Athletic FC Podcast

Is Maresca right to demand more Chelsea signings?

13 snips
Aug 20, 2025
Join Jack Pitt-Brooke, a Premier League insider, and Jon Mackenzie, a tactical guru, as they dissect Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca's call for new signings. The conversation dives into whether fresh talent is the answer or if adaptability is key. They analyze Chelsea's struggles with recruitment, particularly in defense, and contrast the club's youth-focused strategy with successful rivals like Manchester City. The duo also reflects on broader managerial challenges and the evolving roles of coaches in maximizing team performance and cohesion.
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INSIGHT

Board vs Manager: Fit Over Volume

  • Chelsea have made 20 senior signings under Enzo Maresca, yet he still requests a specific central defender.
  • Jon Mackenzie says managers and boards often clash because portfolios favour potential value over immediate fit.
INSIGHT

Finished Players Trump Raw Potential

  • Modern top clubs prefer finished players who can 'hit the ground running' rather than raw prospects.
  • Jon Mackenzie suggests coaching now often means assembling elite profiles, not developing them slowly.
ADVICE

Buy The Perfect Profile When Time Is Short

  • To realise a manager's idea, recruit the best profile available even at high cost.
  • Jack Pitt-Brooke argues elite teams often must buy near-perfect fits to maximise tactics.
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