João Félix’s permanent move to Chelsea in the summer of 2024 was meant to be a fresh start for the Portuguese star, but under manager Enzo Maresca, the anticipated revival never materialized.
Despite high hopes, Félix’s time at Stamford Bridge under Maresca’s stewardship was marked by tactical misalignment, intense competition, and a failure to integrate into the manager’s vision. Here’s why it didn’t work out for João Félix under Enzo Maresca.
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Fierce Competition for Attacking Roles
Chelsea’s squad in the 2024-25 season was stacked with attacking talent, creating a logjam for minutes. Cole Palmer emerged as the creative fulcrum, while Pedro Neto, Christopher Nkunku, and Noni Madueke competed for wide roles. Félix, signed for £46 million, was expected to be a key figure, but Maresca’s preference for players with pace and dynamism often left Félix on the bench. For example, posts on X from September 2024 highlighted fan frustration over Félix’s limited starts, with Maresca opting for Nkunku or Palmer in central attacking roles. Félix’s versatility—capable of playing as a winger, No. 10, or false nine—ironically worked against him, as he lacked a fixed position in Maresca’s rigid setup.
Injuries and Lack of Rhythm
Félix’s 2024-25 season was disrupted early by a hamstring injury, which sidelined him for crucial matches in August and September 2024. This setback prevented him from building momentum and integrating into Maresca’s plans during pre-season and the early Premier League fixtures. Even when fit, his appearances were often limited to substitute cameos, making it difficult to find consistency. His standout moments, such as a goal in a 3-1 win over Aston Villa in October 2024, were too infrequent to secure a regular starting spot. Maresca’s preference for continuity in his lineup further marginalized Félix, who struggled to displace established starters.
Expectations vs. Reality
Félix arrived with a reputation as a former Golden Boy and a £46 million price tag, raising expectations that he would be a transformative presence. However, Maresca’s pragmatic approach prioritized results over flair, and Félix’s languid style sometimes appeared out of sync with the Premier League’s intensity. Fans on X frequently criticized his lack of impact in high-stakes matches, noting that his elegant touches and clever passes rarely translated into decisive contributions. Maresca’s public comments, as reported in outlets like The Guardian in November 2024, emphasized the need for players to “adapt to the team’s needs,” subtly suggesting Félix’s individualistic style didn’t fully align with the collective ethos.
Tactical Misalignment with Maresca’s System
Enzo Maresca, appointed in the summer of 2024, implemented a possession-based, structured 4-2-3-1 system inspired by his time under Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. While this approach emphasized control, quick passing, and positional discipline, it didn’t suit Félix’s free-roaming, creative style. Félix thrives as a fluid No. 10 or second striker, exploiting pockets of space with flair and improvisation. Maresca’s system, however, demanded defined roles, with wingers like Cole Palmer and Pedro Neto prioritized for their directness and pressing intensity. Félix often found himself shoehorned into wide positions or as a substitute, unable to consistently access the central areas where he excels. His lack of physicality and defensive work rate further clashed with Maresca’s emphasis on high pressing and relentless energy off the ball.
Lack of Trust and Squad Dynamics
Maresca’s management style leaned heavily on a core group of players he trusted to execute his vision. Félix, despite his talent, struggled to earn that trust. Reports from X posts in late 2024 suggested Félix was frustrated by limited game time and felt disconnected from Maresca’s tactical briefings, which emphasized defensive structure over attacking freedom. The chaotic squad dynamics inherited from Chelsea’s bloated transfer strategy under Todd Boehly didn’t help. With over 30 first-team players, building chemistry was a challenge, and Félix’s lack of a defined role left him on the periphery of Maresca’s project.
Conclusion
João Félix’s failure to thrive under Enzo Maresca at Chelsea boiled down to a combination of tactical incompatibility, intense competition, injury setbacks, unmet expectations, and a lack of managerial trust. Maresca’s structured, high-intensity system didn’t provide the creative freedom Félix needed to shine, and his inability to secure a consistent role in a crowded squad led to his eventual departure in early 2025, as noted in X posts. While Félix showed glimpses of his undeniable talent, the environment under Maresca wasn’t conducive to unlocking his potential. His next move will be critical in determining whether he can rediscover the form that once made him one of Europe’s most exciting prospects.
