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Maresca's Chelsea give fans cause for optimism again
The Straits Times
|November 30, 2025
Another week, another London derby for Arsenal.
After Tottenham Hotspur were demolished and Bayern Munich dismantled in a midweek Champions League match that stated a strong case to be the best team in Europe, here come Chelsea.
It has been almost as good a week for the Blues. Beating Barcelona 3-0 on Nov 25 was a statement, announcing the talent of Estevao Willian to the planet.
That Lamine Yamal was peripheral at Stamford Bridge was down to the defensive excellence of Marc Cucurella.
The Spaniard is now recognised as one of the best fullbacks in the game, a considerable uplift for a player widely labelled a £60 million (S$103 million) flop when signed from Brighton & Hove Albion in August 2022.
Cucurella’s arc reflects that of his club.
Where Chelsea’s reboot in 2022 under new ownership caused confusion, and awe after over £1 billion was spent on recruitment, the mist is clearing and Enzo Maresca can focus on coaching a capable squad.
This story is from the November 30, 2025 edition of The Straits Times.
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