“I warned you about this issue when I was still at Stamford Bridge but you refused to listen to me and now the current coach is now facing the consequences” – This is according to Frank Lampard as Chelsea dismissed his caution and now Enzo Maresca faces challenges that can see club lose its top 6 ambitions.

Chelsea Overlooked Lampard’s Warning – Now Maresca Faces the Consequences

 

On May 28, 2023, at Stamford Bridge, Chelsea caretaker manager Frank Lampard and Cesar Azpilicueta left the pitch following a draw against Newcastle United. Lampard had previously cautioned that developing a squad filled with young players simultaneously is a challenging task, emphasizing the need for a balanced approach. He acknowledged that while some youngsters would break into the team, others would struggle, warning that the club must be cautious in its strategy.

 

Despite some signs of progress since Lampard’s remarks, Chelsea’s recent struggles under Enzo Maresca—winning just two of their last nine league matches—have reignited concerns. Questions are being raised about squad composition, coaching appointments, and the club’s overall direction.

 

At a granular level, Chelsea lacks a clear leader on the field. Levi Colwill, at just 21, is a regular starter in defense but without an experienced figure guiding him. Tosin Adarabioyo, though respected within the squad, has been at the club for less than a year. Meanwhile, club captain Reece James is still growing into his leadership role.

 

When things go wrong on the pitch, there is no clear rallying point for the squad. Cole Palmer has often been Chelsea’s standout performer, but at 22 and in only his second full senior season, he too has shown signs of frustration. The absence of a seasoned presence like Thiago Silva has left a leadership void, and Maresca, still inexperienced at this level, has no established core to rely on.

 

The idea behind Chelsea’s approach is that this youthful squad—currently the youngest in the Premier League and second-youngest across Europe—will develop together. However, the reality is proving more complex. Without experienced figures in the dressing room, there is no one to guide and maintain discipline among the promising talents. Lampard foresaw these challenges long before Maresca’s arrival, and now they are becoming increasingly evident.