Clash of Styles Beckons as Frank and Maresca Go Head-to-Head in Growing Competition

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

The opinion was that Maresca’s tactical system and focus on possession positioned him as the most suitable for Chelsea’s team of talented individuals. Frank, who had achieved great success at Brentford, had to wait for his next chance. Not chosen by Manchester United after they dismissed Erik ten Hag, his opportunity arrived when Tottenham appointed the Danish manager after sacking Ange Postecoglou last summer.

At present, Frank and Maresca meet, both in major roles. Theirs is not yet a full-blown rivalry, but they experienced some tight encounters last season. Frank’s Brentford were unlucky to suffer 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 fascinating by the contrasting styles between the tacticians. Frank is considered a pragmatist, more inclined to be direct, play on the break, and wait for opportunities to execute an range of deadly set-piece plays, whereas Maresca leans towards ideological rigidity. The Italian hails from the Pep Guardiola coaching tree; he emphasizes dominance of the ball.

Chelsea’s possession average of 59.7% so far this campaign is bettered only by Liverpool in the Premier League. Frank varies his approach more. Spurs are not inherently a defensively-minded side – they are seventh in the possession table, ahead of Manchester United and Newcastle – but it is notable that their strongest performances have come in games where they have relinquished the possession. They were excellent with a back five in the Super Cup against Paris Saint-Germain, implemented an outstanding pressing game when they won 2-0 at Manchester City, and dominated Everton with set pieces last Sunday.

Those experiences suggest Spurs might adopt a defensive approach when they welcome Chelsea. Tottenham, it must be noted, have only one victory from their last seven home league games. The statistics are disappointing. Spurs’ return of 13 points from their past 18 home matches is the poorest of any team to have been in the top flight throughout that timeframe.

This is a tricky game to predict. Spurs are five points off the top and unbeaten in the Champions League. Chelsea are Club World Cup winners and reached the last eight of the Carabao Cup this week. Yet, fans of both sides remain skeptical about Frank and Maresca. Spurs supporters have complained about a shortage of creativity when the pressure is on their team to attack; Chelsea’s complain about their young side’s inexperience, indiscipline, and struggles against low blocks.

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

Yet, there is scope for progress, especially when it comes to maintaining 11 players on the pitch. Liam Delap’s unnecessary dismissal during Wednesday’s Carabao Cup win against Wolves was Chelsea’s sixth red card in nine games, including Maresca’s dismissal from the dugout during the win over Liverpool.

Maresca was angry with Delap, who is banned for the trip to Spurs. But he is also pondering how to make his team more effective against low blocks. The goals have slowed down for João Pedro, and more steadiness is necessary from Chelsea’s young wide players.

Irritation grew during last weekend’s 2-1 home loss by Sunderland. Chelsea had 68.4% possession, their highest of the season, but their expected goals was 0.97. Sunderland’s change to a back five flummoxed Maresca. Régis Le Bris had done his homework. Statistics revealing that it is one win from the six league games when Chelsea’s possession has been at its peak this season implies that their fundamental philosophy is being weaponised and turned on them.

This is not a recent issue. It was no wins from the four league games in which Chelsea had their most possession last season, highlighting a flaw when Maresca’s quest for control is taken to extremes. The danger is drifting into ineffective control, to borrow Arsène Wenger’s expression. José Mourinho’s line about the team with the ball having the fear also is relevant.

Maresca contests this view, but it is worth recalling that Chelsea had 33.5% possession when they delivered their finest performance under the Italian and decisively beat PSG in the Club World Cup final. Adaptability is a positive attribute. Chelsea have several fast attackers and are dynamic when they have room to attack.

Will Frank give them freedom? Chelsea exploited Postecoglou’s gung-ho tactics on their last two visits to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Frank will surely be more strategic. Is a switch to a five-man defense possible? Chelsea have allowed goals from three long throws this season. Spurs could have Kevin Danso launching balls into the box. They will observe that Chelsea have improved at attacking set pieces but are conceding too many chances.

Being so straightforward does not necessarily align with Spurs’ style. But with James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski missing, there is a significant creative responsibility on Mohammed Kudus. Xavi Simons, pursued by Chelsea last summer, has not performed to expectations since arriving from RB Leipzig. Spurs are lacking variety in general play. Their forwards remain inconsistent.

But this is one game where the ends may justify the method. Spurs fans will not mind if a pragmatic approach ends a four-game losing run against Chelsea. Victory would energize Frank’s time in charge. How he would cherish to win this contest with Maresca.