Ask any football fan to pick a club shrouded in unpredictability or with a seemingly unclear direction, and Chelsea would likely be the answer this summer. The Blues embarked on yet another chaotic transfer window, juggling incomings, outgoings, and a managerial change. Enter Enzo Maresca, a head coach with no top-flight managerial experience, raising doubts about whether he was the right man for the job. Chelsea’s constant upheaval made it difficult to assess if this was a bold gamble or another questionable decision in a long list of managerial shifts.

Yet, just a few games into the 2024/25 campaign, we may be seeing the first signs that Maresca is beginning to stamp his authority on the squad. Despite an early setback—a defeat to Swiss side Servette—it’s becoming apparent that Maresca is starting to connect with his players, instilling his ideas, and receiving glimpses of those ideas reflected on the pitch.

For a team that had yet to see consistency, these early indicators of progress might be vital in giving Maresca the breathing room he needs to implement his long-term vision. Chelsea’s previous manager, Mauricio Pochettino, won his last five league games to secure European football but still lost his job. Maresca is well aware of the unforgiving nature of Chelsea’s hierarchy, and this “now” moment might be critical in solidifying his position for the future.

The fixtures leading up to the next international break present a crucial opportunity for Maresca. While not straightforward, the upcoming games—including Premier League matches against Brighton, West Ham, Bournemouth, and Nottingham Forest, as well as Gent in the Conference League and Barrow in the EFL Cup—are winnable. Brighton, visiting Stamford Bridge, may pose the toughest challenge, but the others present chances for Chelsea to rack up points and build momentum.

Chelsea, despite their defensive issues, have shown promise in attack. The midfield-defense link remains a work in progress, and the lack of a consistent midfield partnership has left their goalkeepers with too much to do. Their record of only one clean sheet in five games highlights defensive concerns, and their solitary league win so far is worrying. However, the Blues have shown plenty of attacking potential, netting more goals than all but Manchester City in their opening matches, a sign that their frontline can thrive under the right conditions.

Noni Madueke looks sharp and confident, while Cole Palmer’s productivity hasn’t waned. Nicolas Jackson is getting plenty of chances, and competition for places remains fierce, even after the summer clear-out. If Chelsea can’t control games yet in the manner Maresca envisions, this next run of fixtures might allow them to outscore and outsmart their opponents, relying on their creative and attacking depth to grind out results.

Points on the board will be critical, not only for a respectable league finish but also to give Maresca the time needed to implement his long-term plans. If Chelsea can seize the moment, they may find themselves with the stability they’ve long been searching for, setting the stage for a true revolution on the pitch.