🔗 Share this article

When Chelsea were searching for a successor for Mauricio Pochettino in May 2024, a number of managers were evaluated. This was an thorough process that saw the club engaging with Thomas Frank before they ultimately chose Enzo Maresca.

The feeling was that Maresca’s structured approach and emphasis on possession made him the ideal candidate for Chelsea’s roster of talented individuals. Frank, who had performed brilliantly at Brentford, had to bide his time for his big break. Passed over by Manchester United after they parted ways with Erik ten Hag, his break arrived when Tottenham appointed the Dane after replacing Ange Postecoglou last summer.

Now, Frank and Maresca confront one another, both holding major roles. Their relationship is not currently a full-fledged rivalry, but they had some tight matches last season. Frank’s Brentford were unlucky to suffer a 2-1 loss at Stamford Bridge last December and had the more clear-cut chances when they drew 0-0 with Chelsea in April.

Those were two decent games, made more interesting by the contrasting styles between the managers. Frank is more of a pragmatist, more inclined to be straightforward, play on the break, and wait for opportunities to deploy an variety of effective set-piece plays, whereas Maresca tends towards a strict philosophy. The Italian comes from the Pep Guardiola school; he emphasizes dominance of the ball.

Chelsea’s possession average of 59.7% this season is exceeded only by Liverpool in the Premier League. Frank mixes it up more. Spurs are not inherently a defensive side – they are seventh in the possession rankings, ahead of Manchester United and Newcastle – but it is notable that their best showings have come in games where they have relinquished the initiative. They were excellent with a five-man defense in the Super Cup against Paris Saint-Germain, implemented an outstanding pressing game when they won 2-0 at Manchester City, and dominated Everton with set pieces last Sunday.

Those experiences point to Spurs should sit back when they host Chelsea. Tottenham, it must be noted, have one win from their past seven home league games. The statistics are concerning. Spurs’ record of 13 points from their past 18 home outings is the lowest of any team to have been in the top flight during that period.

This is a difficult game to call. Spurs are five points off the summit and unbeaten in the Champions League. Chelsea are world champions and advanced to the last eight of the Carabao Cup this week. Yet, fans of both sides remain doubtful about Frank and Maresca. Spurs supporters have expressed frustration about a shortage of creativity when the pressure is on their team to attack; Chelsea’s lament about their young side’s immaturity, lack of discipline, and difficulties against low blocks.

The reality is that both managers are performing adequately. Chelsea could fall to 12th if they are defeated to Spurs, but there is mitigating circumstances to their indifferent results. Injuries to Cole Palmer and Levi Colwill have taken a toll. A disrupted pre-season, resulting from the club reaching the final at the Club World Cup, cannot be overlooked.

Still, there is potential for development, especially when it comes to maintaining 11 players on the pitch. Liam Delap’s ludicrous dismissal during Wednesday’s Carabao Cup win against Wolves was Chelsea’s sixth such red card in nine games, including Maresca’s dismissal from the dugout during the win over Liverpool.

Maresca was angry with Delap, who is banned for the fixture to Spurs. But he is also thinking about how to make his team more effective against low blocks. The goals have slowed down for João Pedro, and more consistency is required from Chelsea’s young attacking midfielders.

Disappointment built during last weekend’s 2-1 home loss by Sunderland. Chelsea had 68.4% possession, their maximum of the campaign, but their xG was 0.97. Sunderland’s adjustment to a five-man defense confused Maresca. Régis Le Bris had studied his opponent. Numbers indicating that it is only one victory from the six league games when Chelsea’s possession has been at its maximum this season implies that their key approach is being exploited and used to their disadvantage.

This is not a recent issue. It was zero victories from the four league games in which Chelsea had their highest possession stats last season, emphasizing a weakness when Maresca’s pursuit for control is taken to extremes. The risk is falling into ineffective control, to borrow Arsène Wenger’s expression. José Mourinho’s remark about the team with the ball having the worry also applies here.

Maresca contests this view, but it is worth recalling that Chelsea had 33.5% possession when they produced their finest performance under the Italian and thrashed PSG in the Club World Cup final. Variety is a advantage. Chelsea have several fast attackers and are exciting when they have space to attack.

Will Frank allow them freedom? Chelsea punished Postecoglou’s attacking tactics on their last two visits to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Frank will undoubtedly be smarter. Is a change to a five-man defense possible? Chelsea have conceded from three long throws this season. Spurs could have Kevin Danso chucking balls into the box. They will observe that Chelsea have improved at attacking set pieces but are conceding too many chances.

Being so direct does not necessarily align with Spurs’ style. But with James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski missing, there is a considerable creative responsibility on Mohammed Kudus. Xavi Simons, targeted by Chelsea last summer, has not done enough since arriving from RB Leipzig. Spurs are lacking variety in open play. Their forwards remain unreliable.

But this is one game where the ends may validate the approach. Spurs fans will not complain if a cautious approach breaks a four-game sequence of defeats against Chelsea. A win would energize Frank’s time in charge. How he would relish to win this contest with Maresca.