🔗 Share this article

When Chelsea were seeking for a replacement for Mauricio Pochettino in May 2024, a number of managers were considered. It was an extensive process that involved the club engaging with Thomas Frank before they ultimately selected Enzo Maresca.

The opinion was that Maresca’s structured approach and emphasis on possession made him the most suitable for Chelsea’s roster of technicians. Frank, who had excelled at Brentford, had to remain patient for his big break. Passed over by Manchester United after they let go of Erik ten Hag, his opportunity arrived when Tottenham hired the Dane after firing Ange Postecoglou last summer.

Now, Frank and Maresca confront one another, both occupying high-profile roles. Theirs is not currently a established rivalry, but they experienced some close duels 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 competitive games, made more fascinating by the tactical differences between the managers. Frank is more of a practical manager, more willing to be direct, play on the break, and wait for chances to unveil an array of clinical set-piece plays, whereas Maresca leans towards a strict philosophy. The Italian comes from the Pep Guardiola coaching tree; he values control of the ball.

Chelsea’s average of 59.7% this season is exceeded only by Liverpool in the Premier League. Frank adapts his tactics more. Spurs are not naturally a defensively-minded side – they are seventh in the possession standings, ahead of Manchester United and Newcastle – but it is telling that their strongest displays have come in games where they have surrendered the possession. They were superb with a back five 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 suggest Spurs ought to adopt a defensive approach when they welcome Chelsea. Tottenham, after all, have one win from their past seven home league games. The statistics are concerning. Spurs’ record of 13 points from their last 18 home matches is the lowest of any team to have been in the top flight throughout that timeframe.

This is a difficult game to read. Spurs are five points off the summit and undefeated in the Champions League. Chelsea are Club World Cup winners and reached the last eight of the Carabao Cup this week. Yet, fans of both sides remain unconvinced about Frank and Maresca. Spurs supporters have expressed frustration about a lack of creativity when the responsibility is on their team to attack; Chelsea’s lament about their young side’s immaturity, indiscipline, and toils against low blocks.

The reality is that both managers are managing reasonably well. Chelsea could drop to 12th if they lose to Spurs, but there is context to their inconsistent results. Injuries to Cole Palmer and Levi Colwill have had an impact. A disrupted pre-season, caused by the club competing deep at the Club World Cup, cannot be overlooked.

Yet, there is scope for progress, especially when it comes to keeping 11 players on the pitch. Liam Delap’s unnecessary red card 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 furious with Delap, who is banned for the fixture to Spurs. But he is also considering how to make his team more penetrative against defensive teams. The goals have dried up for João Pedro, and more steadiness is necessary from Chelsea’s young attacking midfielders.

Disappointment mounted during last weekend’s 2-1 home defeat by Sunderland. Chelsea had 68.4% possession, their peak of the campaign, but their xG was 0.97. Sunderland’s adjustment to a back five flummoxed Maresca. Régis Le Bris had done his homework. Numbers showing that it is only one victory from the six league games when Chelsea’s possession has been at its highest this season suggests that their core identity is being weaponised and used to their disadvantage.

This is not a new issue. It was no wins from the four league games in which Chelsea had their most possession last season, highlighting a vulnerability when Maresca’s drive for control is taken to the limit. The risk is falling into unproductive possession, to borrow Arsène Wenger’s phrase. José Mourinho’s line about the team with the ball having the fear also applies here.

Maresca differs in opinion, but it is worth noting that Chelsea had 33.5% possession when they delivered their finest performance under the Italian and routed PSG in the Club World Cup final. Variety is a positive attribute. Chelsea have plenty of fast attackers and are exciting when they have space to attack.

Will Frank allow them opportunity? Chelsea took advantage of Postecoglou’s attacking tactics on their last two visits to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Frank will undoubtedly be more strategic. Is a change to a five-man defense likely? Chelsea have conceded from three long throws this season. Spurs could have Kevin Danso launching balls into the box. They will note that Chelsea have improved at attacking set pieces but are allowing too many chances.

Being so long-ball oriented does not necessarily align with Spurs’ traditions. But with James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski absent, there is a heavy creative responsibility on Mohammed Kudus. Xavi Simons, pursued by Chelsea last summer, has not done enough since joining RB Leipzig. Spurs are lacking variety in open play. Their forwards remain erratic.

But this is one game where the result may justify the approach. Spurs fans will not complain if a pragmatic approach halts a four-game sequence of defeats against Chelsea. A win would energize Frank’s time in charge. How he would cherish to win this duel with Maresca.