From studying neuroscience and chess to learning under Pep Guardiola, Enzo Maresca has quietly risen to become one of football’s most tactically astute managers — a rise crowned by Chelsea’s stunning triumph at the FIFA Club World Cup 2025.
Before the tournament kicked off, bookmakers only considered Chelsea the fifth favorite to win, trailing behind Real Madrid, PSG, Manchester City, and Bayern Munich. Even after reaching the final against PSG, many pundits remained skeptical, citing their relatively easier path, link live Socolive tv. But a commanding 3-0 win over the reigning UEFA Champions League holders proved Maresca’s tactical brilliance.
According to Spanish newspaper Marca, Maresca completely outmaneuvered Luis Enrique tactically. Chelsea turned PSG into a fragile side — a feat few clubs had achieved.
From the Pitch to the Chessboard
Maresca’s strategic mind began developing during his playing days at Palermo (2014–2016). It was during this period that he started delving into chess, eventually writing a thesis titled “Football and Chess” as part of his coaching certification. In it, the Italian manager noted, “Every coach can benefit from studying the mental skills of a chess grandmaster.”
Chess has long been admired in Spain, especially among football managers like Pep Guardiola, Rafael Benitez, and Quique Setién — all of whom used the game to sharpen their tactical thinking. Maresca views the football pitch as a chessboard; each move is calculated, each decision aimed at dismantling the opponent’s formation.
Books, Brains, and Building a Philosophy
During his time as an assistant coach under Fulvio Fiorin at Ascoli, Maresca developed a strong habit of reading after training sessions — diving deep into books on philosophy and neuroscience. “He always wanted his teams to control possession, build from the back, and defend with intelligence,” Fiorin told La Gazzetta dello Sport. “We used a 4-2-3-1 shape when defending and a 4-2-4 in attack. The Chelsea system now closely resembles what we were doing eight years ago at Ascoli.”
Maresca also learned under elite managers such as Manuel Pellegrini — playing under him at Málaga in 2011–12, then becoming his assistant at West Ham in 2018. Later, he joined Pep Guardiola’s staff at Manchester City.
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Data-Driven and Detail-Oriented
Maresca, who served as Guardiola’s assistant during the 2022–2023 season, places strong emphasis on data and technology. He sees center-backs not just as defenders, but as key playmakers. He incorporates GPS trackers, heart-rate monitors, and even drones in training. This meticulous data collection informs tactical decisions, combining player performance analytics with video analysis.
After earning his coaching badge at Ascoli, Maresca didn’t rush into a head coach role. He chose instead to gain experience, working as an assistant in several clubs before stepping up. His name only started gaining real attention after his success at the 2025 Club World Cup.
From Doubts to Glory
When Maresca was appointed Chelsea head coach a year ago — after promoting Leicester City to the Premier League — many fans were skeptical. But he quickly silenced critics by guiding Chelsea to a Top 4 Premier League finish, a UEFA Conference League title, and now, global club glory.
“He’s always had big ideas and even bigger ambition,” Fiorin added. “And I knew he would deliver.”
Mastering the Endgame
In chess, the Sicilian Defense is a favorite among aggressive players — a tactic where Black plays second but seeks to control the game through calculated risks. Chelsea, underdogs heading into the final, embodied this mindset: exploiting weaknesses and turning disadvantages into dominance.
Cole Palmer, who played like the queen piece on a chessboard, delivered the knockout blows that helped Maresca checkmate PSG — and announce himself to the world.
