Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has openly admitted that his squad is not yet defensively ready for the style of football he wants to implement, signalling a possible move for a Manchester City player to address this pressing issue.
Speaking candidly during a recent press conference, Maresca did not shy away from identifying the current limitations in Chelsea’s back line.
“We’re not there yet defensively. For the kind of system I want to build—one that starts with control from the back and transitions quickly—we need defenders who are calm under pressure, tactically intelligent, and comfortable with the ball,” Maresca stated.
This is the clearest signal yet that Chelsea may still dip into the transfer market, despite a busy window so far.
Looking to Manchester City
Maresca, who worked as Pep Guardiola’s assistant at Manchester City, is reportedly looking to his former club for solutions. According to multiple sources, Chelsea are exploring possible moves for either Rico Lewis or Yan Couto—two young, technically capable defenders well-versed in Guardiola’s philosophy of positional play and ball retention.
The connection is logical. Both players have experience in systems that demand high football intelligence and precise decision-making, particularly in build-up play. They are profiles that closely align with the tactical blueprint Maresca is now trying to instill at Stamford Bridge.
Insiders suggest that Maresca has already held informal discussions with one of the targets and received a positive response.
Current Defensive Shortcomings
Chelsea’s defense has been inconsistent in recent seasons despite significant investment. The departure of Thiago Silva has left a leadership void, while injury issues continue to impact Wesley Fofana and Benoît Badiashile. Axel Disasi and Marc Cucurella have struggled with form, and although Levi Colwill has shown promise, he is still relatively inexperienced at the top level.
Maresca’s style demands more than just basic defensive solidity—it requires defenders who can initiate attacks, manage transitions, and remain composed when pressed.
“In my view, the defender is the first playmaker. If you can’t break the first line of pressure, you can’t dominate games. That’s where we need to improve.”
Potential Transfer Details
Manchester City are reportedly not actively looking to offload Lewis or Couto, but both players may find it difficult to secure regular starts in Guardiola’s crowded squad. A bid in the region of £30–40 million could be enough to begin serious negotiations, depending on the player involved.
Chelsea’s leadership is understood to be willing to support Maresca with targeted reinforcements, particularly if they align with the long-term vision of developing a more technically fluid and positionally disciplined squad.
Strategic Fit
Rico Lewis, 19, has already featured in high-profile matches for Manchester City and is known for his versatility, intelligence, and comfort in tight spaces. Yan Couto, currently returning from a successful loan at Girona, also fits the mold of a modern full-back with the ability to invert into midfield and contribute to possession phases.
Both players offer more than just potential—they provide tactical familiarity with a system Maresca already understands well, significantly reducing the adaptation period.
Conclusion
Enzo Maresca is wasting no time laying the foundations of his Chelsea project. By publicly acknowledging weaknesses and seeking players who align with his system, he is making it clear that Chelsea are not aiming for a slow rebuild, but a focused, deliberate evolution.
Should a deal for Lewis or Couto materialize, it could be the first of several calculated moves to reshape Chelsea’s identity under Maresca’s leadership.