Clash of Approaches Beckons as Thomas Frank and Maresca Confront Each Other in Developing Contest

When Chelsea were looking for a successor for Mauricio Pochettino in May 2024, a number of managers were evaluated. This was an extensive process that saw the club holding talks with Thomas Frank before they eventually opted for Enzo Maresca.

The opinion was that Maresca’s structured approach and emphasis on possession rendered him the best fit for Chelsea’s roster of technicians. Frank, who had excelled at Brentford, had to remain patient for his big break. Overlooked by Manchester United after they parted ways with Erik ten Hag, his break came when Tottenham hired the Danish manager after replacing Ange Postecoglou last summer.

Currently, Frank and Maresca confront one another, both in prestigious roles. Theirs is not currently a full-fledged rivalry, but they experienced some tight matches last season. Frank’s Brentford were unfortunate to endure a 2-1 loss at Stamford Bridge last December and created the superior chances when they drew 0-0 with Chelsea in April.

Those were two engaging games, made more intriguing by the contrasting styles between the managers. Frank is more of a practical manager, more inclined to be direct, play on the break, and wait for opportunities to unveil an range of deadly set-piece routines, whereas Maresca veers towards ideological rigidity. The Italian is a product of the Pep Guardiola school; he emphasizes control of the ball.

Chelsea’s possession 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 table, ahead of Manchester United and Newcastle – but it is telling that their strongest performances have come in games where they have ceded the initiative. They were superb with a defensive setup in the Super Cup against Paris Saint-Germain, executed an outstanding pressing game when they won 2-0 at Manchester City, and destroyed Everton with set pieces last Sunday.

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

This is a difficult game to predict. Spurs are five points off the top and unbeaten 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 unconvinced about Frank and Maresca. Spurs supporters have expressed frustration about a lack of creativity when the onus is on their team to attack; Chelsea’s complain about their young side’s immaturity, indiscipline, and toils against defensive setups.

The reality is that both managers are doing fine. Chelsea could fall to 12th if they are defeated to Spurs, but there is mitigating circumstances to their inconsistent results. Injuries to Cole Palmer and Levi Colwill have been costly. A interrupted pre-season, due to the club reaching the final at the Club World Cup, cannot be dismissed.

However, there is potential for improvement, especially when it comes to keeping 11 players on the pitch. Liam Delap’s rash dismissal during Wednesday’s Carabao Cup success against Wolves was Chelsea’s sixth such red card in nine games, including Maresca’s removal from the dugout during the win over Liverpool.

Maresca was angry 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 slowed down for João Pedro, and more consistency is needed from Chelsea’s young wide players.

Frustration built during last weekend’s 2-1 home loss by Sunderland. Chelsea had 68.4% possession, their peak of the campaign, but their expected goals was 0.97. Sunderland’s adjustment to a five-man defense baffled Maresca. Régis Le Bris had done his homework. Statistics revealing that it is only one victory from the six league games when Chelsea’s possession has been at its maximum this season suggests that their key approach is being weaponised and turned on them.

This is not a new issue. It was zero victories from the four league games in which Chelsea had their most possession last season, underscoring a flaw when Maresca’s quest for control is taken to extremes. The risk is falling into ineffective control, to borrow Arsène Wenger’s expression. José Mourinho’s remark about the team with the ball having the anxiety also is relevant.

Maresca disagrees, but it is worth remembering that Chelsea had 33.5% possession when they put in their finest performance under the Italian and routed PSG in the Club World Cup final. Variety is a strength. Chelsea have plenty of fast attackers and are dynamic when they have room to attack.

Will Frank grant them space? Chelsea exploited Postecoglou’s gung-ho tactics on their past two trips to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Frank will surely be smarter. Is a switch to a back five possible? 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 offensive set pieces but are conceding too many chances.

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

But this is one game where the outcome may validate the approach. Spurs fans will not complain if a pragmatic approach halts a four-game losing run against Chelsea. Success would ignite Frank’s tenure. How he would love to win this contest with Maresca.