Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has opened up about the tactical trend he’s noticed this season — the growing number of teams opting to play with five defenders when facing his side. The Italian manager explained that this setup has become increasingly common in the Premier League’s early stages, and he believes it’s a direct response to Chelsea’s attacking style and possession-heavy approach.
According to Maresca, the compact structure of a five-man defence allows opponents to close down space in wide areas and limit the attacking influence of Chelsea’s wing-backs and forwards. “When teams sit deep with five at the back, they’re trying to block transitions and deny us space behind,” he noted. “It forces us to be more creative in how we build our attacks and find openings.”
The Chelsea boss acknowledged that such defensive setups can be frustrating but insists it’s also a compliment to how much respect rival teams have for his side’s offensive potential. “It means they see the danger we can cause,” he added. “Our job is to adapt, move the ball quickly, and create opportunities even in tight situations.”
Maresca’s comments highlight an ongoing challenge for Chelsea — breaking down compact, disciplined opponents who prioritize defensive solidity over open play. As the season progresses, he’s confident that tactical adjustments and improved decision-making in the final third will help the team find consistent success against these stubborn defensive systems.
