Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca has so far been embroiled in the manager of the season debate between former players Riod Ferdinand and Owen Hargreaves.

Maresca has indeed worked miracles for Chelsea so far this season, putting them in third place in the league at the end of 2024. Nobody expected this and if we go back to the predictions from the start of this season, most were even. writing off Chelsea for a top-four finish.

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In my opinion, they were never title contenders, as Maresca kept saying. And they are currently overperforming in my opinion.

Liverpool are ahead though, and Hargreaves believes that was enough to qualify Arne Slot as manager of the season so far. But Ferdinand does not agree.

Ferdinand supports Maresca

Speaking on his YouTube channel Rio Ferdinand presentsThe six-time Premier League winner made his case for Maresca, citing the Blues’ impressive turnaround from last season, where they finished a disappointing sixth.

He said: “It’s not a big difference. I just think Maresca came in and took a team from a circus to a calamity…’

Hargreaves quickly interrupted Ferdinand to credit the Chelsea manager, but provided a direct response, arguing that Liverpool’s domestic and European form speaks for itself.

“He did incredible things. But I say that if you are at the top of the championship, the best team in the Champions League is Arne. Not even one,” he said.

“No, no, no, I think he’s great. But I say the level of change within clubs is very different. (Maresca) has further reduced this margin,” Ferdinand replied.

“(Slot) had a wonderfully set up ship. Property in Chelsea is so fragmented that it makes headlines every other day.

“(Slot) had a new sports director but it’s not unstable. It’s still a stable environment. There is no noise. When Klopp was there, there was no noise.

“I’m fighting against Maresca’s corner. He’s had more fires to put out than probably half the league. And he trampled them.

“It’s my show, my opinions,” he added sarcastically.

“Give Rio water,” Hargreaves laughs.