Showdown of Approaches Looms as Frank and Maresca Face Off in Developing Competition

At the time Chelsea were searching for a replacement for Mauricio Pochettino in May 2024, a number of managers were considered. This was an thorough process that involved the club engaging with Thomas Frank before they ultimately selected Enzo Maresca.

The opinion was that Maresca’s positional game and emphasis on possession rendered him the most suitable for Chelsea’s team of talented individuals. Frank, who had excelled at Brentford, had to wait for his next opportunity. Overlooked by Manchester United after they dismissed Erik ten Hag, his break arrived when Tottenham brought in the Dane after replacing Ange Postecoglou last summer.

Currently, Frank and Maresca meet, both in prestigious roles. Theirs is not yet a full-fledged rivalry, but they experienced some tight duels last season. Frank’s Brentford were unfortunate to endure a 2-1 defeat at Stamford Bridge last December and created the superior chances when they tied 0-0 with Chelsea in April.

Those were two engaging games, made more fascinating by the divergent approaches between the tacticians. Frank is more of a pragmatist, more willing to be straightforward, play on the counter-attack, and wait for chances to unveil an variety of effective set-piece plays, whereas Maresca veers towards a strict philosophy. The Italian comes from the Pep Guardiola philosophy; he values dominance of the ball.

Chelsea’s average of 59.7% so far this campaign is topped only by Liverpool in the Premier League. Frank varies his approach 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 strongest performances have come in games where they have ceded the initiative. They were superb with a back five in the Super Cup against Paris Saint-Germain, implemented an impressive pressing game when they won 2-0 at Manchester City, and dominated Everton with set pieces last Sunday.

Those performances suggest Spurs should play on the counter when they face Chelsea. Tottenham, it must be noted, have only one victory from their past seven home league games. The statistics are concerning. Spurs’ record of 13 points from their last 18 home fixtures is the worst of any team to have been in the top flight during that timeframe.

This is a tricky game to read. Spurs are five points off the top and undefeated in the Champions League. Chelsea are Club World Cup winners and advanced to the quarter-finals of the Carabao Cup this week. Yet, fans of both sides remain doubtful 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 performing adequately. Chelsea could drop to 12th if they lose to Spurs, but there is mitigating circumstances to their inconsistent results. Injuries to Cole Palmer and Levi Colwill have taken a toll. A interrupted pre-season, caused by the club going all the way at the Club World Cup, cannot be dismissed.

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

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

Frustration mounted during last weekend’s 2-1 home defeat by Sunderland. Chelsea had 68.4% possession, their peak of the season, but their xG was 0.97. Sunderland’s adjustment to a back five baffled Maresca. Régis Le Bris had studied his opponent. Statistics revealing that it is only one victory from the six league games when Chelsea’s possession has been at its peak this season suggests that their key approach is being weaponised 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, highlighting a flaw when Maresca’s drive for control is taken to extremes. The danger is falling into sterile domination, to borrow Arsène Wenger’s expression. José Mourinho’s comment about the team with the ball having the worry also is relevant.

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

Will Frank allow them opportunity? Chelsea exploited Postecoglou’s attacking tactics on their past two visits to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Frank will undoubtedly be more cautious. Is a change to a back five possible? Chelsea have allowed goals from three long throws this season. Spurs could have Kevin Danso launching balls into the box. They will note that Chelsea have gotten better at offensive set pieces but are allowing too many chances.

Being so long-ball oriented does not necessarily fit with Spurs’ history. But with James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski missing, there is a considerable creative burden on Mohammed Kudus. Xavi Simons, courted by Chelsea last summer, has not performed to expectations since joining RB Leipzig. Spurs are one-dimensional in open play. Their forwards remain inconsistent.

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