According to Enzo Maresca, the 2024–25 season is a “never-ending season”—but not in a bad way. The new Chelsea head coach sees the packed schedule as a golden opportunity to continuously test, strengthen, and shape the identity of his squad. With the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 (CWC 2025) in the United States on the horizon, the tournament serves as the perfect stage to evaluate Chelsea’s evolution through a blend of youth and experience.
Chelsea wrapped up the domestic season on a high note. After a shaky start, the Blues claimed the UEFA Conference League trophy and secured a Champions League spot for next season. But for Maresca, the season isn’t truly over. The upcoming Club World Cup represents an extension of their ongoing test—a “super competitive pre-season,” as he calls it, that could act as a launchpad for his long-term project at Stamford Bridge.
Building Through Relentless Tests
“This is a season that keeps going, and that gives me more time to see players in competitive situations,” Maresca said in an official club interview. For the former Leicester City boss, the Club World Cup isn’t just about winning silverware—it’s about building consistency and shaping the team’s character.
He emphasized the tournament will be used to provide game time for younger players who haven’t featured regularly. Talents like Alfie Gilchrist, Cesare Casadei, and new signing Dario Essugo are expected to get valuable minutes on the pitch. This highlights Maresca’s commitment to long-term squad development, rather than chasing immediate results—an aspect many other articles failed to fully explore.
Chelsea, a Club with a Sustainable Project
Maresca approaches team rejuvenation in a more methodical manner than some of his predecessors. He clarified, “We’re not just building for the present; we’re building for the next five years.” The Maresca-era Chelsea looks increasingly focused on internal development, with players like Palmer, Madueke, and Malo Gusto evolving into key figures throughout the season.
Over the past three seasons, Chelsea became known for big-money transfers. But this season, Maresca is slowly steering away from that trend. He is prioritizing internal evaluation while refining the team’s tactical structure. This strategic shift is often overlooked in coverage that only focuses on surface-level quotes from the coach.
Opening Test: LAFC and a Grueling Schedule
Chelsea will kick off their CWC 2025 campaign against MLS side Los Angeles FC (LAFC) at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. On paper, the Blues are favorites. However, Maresca has cautioned his team against underestimating their rivals. LAFC is no pushover—with former France captain Hugo Lloris, ex-Chelsea striker Olivier Giroud, and sharp attacker Denis Bouanga in their ranks.
This match also presents a psychological test. Can Chelsea maintain their positive momentum after such a long season? Can young players live up to the trust placed in them on a world-class stage?
Conclusion: Chelsea Eyes the Future
This seemingly never-ending season has become a golden moment—not just to chase international glory, but to test the consistency and depth of a squad that has rapidly developed under Enzo Maresca.
If Chelsea can manage the intensity and pressure of this extended campaign, they won’t just shine in the United States—they’ll prove they are ready to return to the top of European football, not just as a wealthy club, but as a team with a long-term vision and solid foundation.