🔗 Share this article

At the time Chelsea were looking for a replacement for Mauricio Pochettino in May 2024, multiple managers were evaluated. This was an comprehensive process that saw the club holding talks with Thomas Frank before they eventually selected Enzo Maresca.

The belief was that Maresca’s tactical system and priority on possession made him the ideal candidate for Chelsea’s team of technicians. Frank, who had achieved great success at Brentford, had to bide his time for his next opportunity. Not chosen by Manchester United after they let go of Erik ten Hag, his opportunity came when Tottenham hired the Dane after sacking Ange Postecoglou last summer.

Currently, Frank and Maresca meet, both occupying high-profile roles. Theirs is not currently a full-fledged rivalry, but they experienced some hard-fought encounters last season. Frank’s Brentford were unlucky to endure a 2-1 loss at Stamford Bridge last December and had the superior chances when they tied 0-0 with Chelsea in April.

Those were two decent games, made more intriguing by the divergent approaches between the tacticians. Frank is more of a adaptable coach, more inclined to be direct, play on the break, and wait for chances to deploy an variety of effective set-piece strategies, whereas Maresca veers towards a strict philosophy. The Italian is a product of the Pep Guardiola coaching tree; he values 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 naturally a defensively-minded side – they are ranked seventh in the possession standings, ahead of Manchester United and Newcastle – but it is notable that their most impressive showings have come in games where they have surrendered the possession. They were superb with a defensive setup in the Super Cup against Paris Saint-Germain, executed an exceptional counterpress when they won 2-0 at Manchester City, and overwhelmed Everton with set pieces last Sunday.

Those results point to Spurs might adopt a defensive approach when they welcome Chelsea. Tottenham, it must be noted, have only one victory from their past seven home league games. The figures are concerning. Spurs’ return of 13 points from their past 18 home matches is the worst of any team to have been in the top flight throughout that period.

This is a tricky game to predict. Spurs are five points off the top and unbeaten in the Champions League. Chelsea are world champions and advanced to the last eight of the Carabao Cup this week. However, fans of both sides remain skeptical about Frank and Maresca. Spurs supporters have complained about a absence of creativity when the pressure is on their team to attack; Chelsea’s moan about their young side’s inexperience, indiscipline, and toils against defensive setups.

The situation is that both managers are performing adequately. Chelsea could fall to 12th if they lose to Spurs, but there is context to their inconsistent results. Injuries to Cole Palmer and Levi Colwill have been costly. A interrupted pre-season, resulting from the club competing deep at the Club World Cup, cannot be overlooked.

Yet, there is scope for development, especially when it comes to keeping 11 players on the pitch. Liam Delap’s ludicrous sending off during Wednesday’s Carabao Cup success against Wolves was Chelsea’s sixth such red card in nine games, including Maresca’s banishment from the technical area during the win over Liverpool.

Maresca was angry with Delap, who is suspended for the fixture to Spurs. But he is also pondering how to make his team more incisive against defensive teams. The goals have dried up for João Pedro, and more steadiness is necessary from Chelsea’s young attacking midfielders.

Irritation grew during last weekend’s 2-1 home defeat by Sunderland. Chelsea had 68.4% possession, their maximum of the season, but their expected goals was 0.97. Sunderland’s adjustment to a five-man defense flummoxed Maresca. Régis Le Bris had done his homework. Data revealing 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 fundamental philosophy is being exploited and turned on them.

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, underscoring a weakness when Maresca’s quest for control is taken to the limit. The threat is slipping into unproductive possession, to borrow Arsène Wenger’s expression. José Mourinho’s remark about the team with the ball having the worry also is relevant.

Maresca contests this view, but it is worth noting that Chelsea had 33.5% possession when they delivered their most impressive performance under the Italian and thrashed PSG in the Club World Cup final. Adaptability is a positive attribute. Chelsea have a number of fast attackers and are dynamic when they have room to attack.

Will Frank grant them space? Chelsea punished Postecoglou’s gung-ho tactics on their past two visits to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Frank will surely be more cautious. Is a shift to a back five possible? Chelsea have conceded from three long throws this season. Spurs could have Kevin Danso launching balls into the box. They will observe that Chelsea have gotten better at offensive set pieces but are allowing too many chances.

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

But this is one game where the outcome may validate the method. Spurs fans will not complain if a cautious approach halts a four-game winless streak against Chelsea. Victory would energize Frank’s reign. How he would love to win this duel with Maresca.