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Andre Villas-Boas praises Enzo Maresca’s Chelsea rebuild and says club is on the right path

Originally posted on HITC | By Dom Toner | Last updated Oct 11, 2025 9:22 AM ET

Former Chelsea manager Andre Villas-Boas has given his thoughts on the club’s current state and head coach Enzo Maresca.

Villas-Boas, now 47, spent just under a season in charge at Stamford Bridge from 2011 to 2012.

Maresca, now 45, is in the hot seat at Chelsea – a position that always comes with heavy expectations. But he’s already picked up two trophies in his first season, so there’s goodwill there for him to build on.

Chelsea’s board were also impressed with Maresca’s reaction to the win over Liverpool before the international break. He was sent off for his celebrations but the passion didn’t go unnoticed by those above him.

Andre Villas-Boas offers thoughts on Chelsea and Maresca’s start

Villas-Boas has taken notice of the changes at Stamford Bridge, pointing out the shift in approach under the new regime. He also backed Maresca’s efforts since taking over, saying the club seems to be moving in a positive direction.

“Chelsea has radicalised the way to approach the transfer market. It’s a totally different vision – getting the best out of young kids, investing via BlueCo in a multi-club ownership and getting the most out of that as well, with players coming in from Strasbourg like Andrey Santos.

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“So [they have] a lot of quality, a lot of talent, probably [Emanuel] Emegha in the future. So it’s a new way to approach the transfer window, a new way to work out the transfer market and long-term contracts with pros and cons that bring.

“But they were successful. They won FIFA Club World Cup and Conference League. Maresca is a great coach and a man with vision, process and ideas, so they look to be on the right path.”

Chelsea haven’t made an ideal start to their 2025-26 season, winning just five of their first 10 matches across all competitions. However, last weekend’s win over Liverpool provided a much-needed boost heading into October’s international break.

Maresca isn’t considered under immediate pressure according to Jamie Redknapp but managing expectations is always part of life at Chelsea.

The Italian manager is quietly doing solid work as he tries to build cohesion within an extremely young squad still learning what it takes at this level.

Enzo Maresca has a key area to address at Chelsea

Maresca has to address the club’s poor disciplinary record if the Blues are going to compete near the top of the table.

As noted by The Athletic, Chelsea have picked up 303 yellow cards since the 2022-23 season – more than any other side in the league. Wolverhampton Wanderers are second on that list with 278.

This season alone, red cards have already played a part in losses to both Brighton and Manchester United.

Maresca will be aware this is an area where his young squad needs to show growth, and it’s something he’ll likely address over time as they continue to mature.

This article first appeared on HITC and was syndicated with permission.

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