Enzo Maresca’s Chelsea: The Power of a Clear First Season Plan

When Enzo Maresca took over Chelsea in 2024, the club was in chaos. Years of instability, a revolving door of managers, and a locker room full of stars who had never gelled.

Fast forward one year: Chelsea were back in the Champions League, lifted the UEFA Conference League trophy, and even won the FIFA Club World Cup.

How? Maresca didn’t just bring tactics. He brought a plan.

“You need a clear idea of where you’re going. Otherwise, the players will feel lost.” — Enzo Maresca

Why Quick Wins Matter
In coaching, momentum is everything. Research in behavioral psychology shows that small, early successes create belief and commitment. This is called the “progress principle”: visible signs of progress keep people motivated, even when challenges remain.

Maresca gave Chelsea a roadmap. Players didn’t just see change; they felt it. And that bought him trust.

What Maresca Did Differently

1. Set Identity First. From day one, Chelsea trained in his positional-play system.
2. Delivered Quick Results. He targeted winnable competitions (like the Conference League) to create belief.
3. Linked Purpose to Culture. Players knew what kind of team they were becoming — possession-based, disciplined, confident.

How Grassroots Coaches Can Apply This
Grassroots teams also need quick wins and a clear plan. Kids don’t buy into abstract long-term goals unless they feel progress along the way.

• Craft a “First Season Plan.” What’s your identity this year? Passing team? Resilient defenders? Relentless work ethic? Write it down.
• Target Early Success. Maybe it’s winning one tournament game, or hitting a passing-completion goal.
• Reflect Weekly. Journaling helps track if your plan is visible in practice and matches.

Zone 14 can support this by helping you map season-long intentions, then reflect on whether progress is happening — week by week.

The Takeaway

• A clear first-season plan creates momentum and belief.
• Quick wins matter as much as long-term vision.
• Reflection ensures the plan stays front and center.

Sum Up

• Maresca turned Chelsea around with identity + quick results.
• Coaches need early “progress points” to keep players invested.
• Journaling keeps the long plan from getting lost in day-to-day chaos.

📓 Journal Exercise

1. Write down your team’s identity for this season in one sentence.
2. List one early, achievable success you want to target (e.g., passing accuracy in a game).
3. Reflect: After each match, did your team move closer to that identity, or further away?

 

About Chad Zimmerman
Chad Zimmerman is an entrepreneur, youth soccer coach, and the founder of Zone 14 Coaching. He brings decades of leadership experience and a passion for helping kids grow not just as players, but as people. Chad has coached at multiple youth levels and advises businesses in education and sports, always focusing on intentional growth, reflective practices, and empowering others to reach their potential.

About Zone 14 Coaching
Zone 14 Coaching is a platform built for grassroots and youth soccer coaches who want to lead with purpose. Our mission is to make coaching more intentional and impactful by combining practical training resources with reflective journaling. From AI-assisted planning to customizable journals, Zone 14 gives coaches the tools to save time, stay organized, and develop players with both skill and character.

Want to coach with more intention?
Join the movement to bring reflective journaling and intentional coaching to every field. Explore Zone 14’s coaching journals and tools today — and start turning every practice into a chance for growth.  Visit Zone 14 Coaching