The least productive way for the Blues to respond to their demolition of Barça would be to believe the buzz. The challenge is that emotions in the sport swing from one end to another, as the figures running things at Chelsea have rapidly come to understand.
They have encountered plenty of criticism for their unconventional approach since taking over the team from the previous owner three years ago, so maybe they are entitled to be a little sceptical now that Chelsea are being praised for their transfer plan and touted as potential championship contenders before facing Arsenal on Sunday.
In contrast to public opinion, this is not a leadership that grows carried away readily. The starting chaos has subsided – Chelsea have had four long-term coaches since their takeover by the current owners and the investment group – and the objective of constructing a sustainable forward-looking plan is inconsistent with panicking to one poor outcome, one good streak of results or even one resounding victory over the Catalan club in the continental competition.
The philosophy has not altered since the start of the season: keep modest. It is worth recalling that there was plenty of critical commentary from outside when the Blues suffered defeat to the Red Devils and Brighton at the end of September. Was any pundit speaking about a championship challenge then? Or, in fact, after Chelsea let slip a single-goal lead and lost at their own ground to Sunderland last month? The mood was different. Cool minds were required; the message from on high was that the head coach and his players had to believe themselves after the setback by Brighton.
Now, with demanding away fixtures against Leeds United and AFC Bournemouth to follow next week, the attention is on ensuring Chelsea are not lulled into overconfidence after that remarkable defeat of the Spanish side.
Possibly that unflappable atmosphere will assist the most youthful squad in the Premier League stay even-keeled. Maresca, composed to a fault in his press interactions, aligns with the plan. The Blues were in a comparable situation this time last year but the head coach consistently maintained they were not in the league hunt. He believed it was too soon in their development. The coach received backlash when Chelsea fell away and concluded in a fight for Champions League placement – had he provided the team an excuse? – but he was in his debut season as a top-flight manager. He and his team had to make mistakes and grow.
It is a deliberate tactic. The manager is not prone to making brave pronouncements, often saying he is looking ahead no more than the next fixture. His attitude has not been altered by Chelsea climbing to number two after several victories from their previous six matches. It will likely not even alter dramatically if they beat Arsenal and cut their rivals’ gap to several points.
“If we succeed, if we don’t win, I think it’s too soon,” the Italian said on Friday. “We are still in autumn. It’s very important in February, spring, where we are. From there we’ll see if we can accomplish something meaningful.”
That was about as approximate as it gets to an concession that, certainly, it is feasible for Chelsea to challenge Arsenal. Yet there is no expectation on the head coach to secure the title this season. The 45-year-old has goals to achieve but Chelsea will not assess his performance until the following summer. They have absolutely no intention to be forced into sacking a manager during a season again. The club seek continuity and are only just beginning their journey.
They have deals in order to sign more youth in the summers of the coming years and subsequent seasons. They were scrutinised for moving on the attacker to Arsenal last window but did so because transferring an established Premier League talent had to be executed to create room for the arriving the prodigy.
The youngster is progressing. The teenager winger was exceptional against Barça, finding the back of the net with a stunning finish, but the Brazilian talent is doubtful to begin against Arsenal. His workload is being prudently handled by the coach. Chelsea had a affected summer preparation after going all the way in last summer’s international competition. Maresca’s frequent changes is an indication of a manager considering about tomorrow as well as today.
Notwithstanding the moderation, though, it is also true that Chelsea are completely equipped of overcoming Arsenal. the attacker is back after two months out and ready to feature. Pedro Neto is in fine shape in offence, and the enforcer and the midfielder will match the Gunners’ centre strength.
The manager said defeating Paris Saint-Germain in that global tournament final had benefited his squad’s attitude. He likes that they are sharing the goals around to a greater extent than last season, when there was too much leaning on the attacker. A deep substitutes will also offer him a variety of methods to test their rivals’ defence power.
Will it be adequate? Perhaps not yet. The side occasionally are missing a deadly touch and Levi Colwill’s absence with a extended {
