“I have faced some great coach like Guardiola, Klopp and Ancelotti but Enzo Maresca did something I’ve never seen in my coaching career”: Southampton coach Russell Kenneth Alexander Martin names ONE thing Enzo Maresca did which he has never seen in his professional football career.

Martin, who has competed against top managers like Pep Guardiola, Jürgen Klopp, and Carlo Ancelotti, highlighted Maresca’s distinctive use of “positional play” during their recent Premier League clash.

He noted that Maresca’s Chelsea showcased an exceptional level of tactical fluidity, making their approach both difficult to predict and execute. The strategy centered on dynamic player rotations, especially in midfield and attack, enabling Chelsea to consistently create numerical advantages in key areas. This allowed them to dominate possession while disrupting Southampton’s defensive structure by drawing players out of position to exploit open spaces.

Martin stressed that the standout aspect of Maresca’s system was the precision and adaptability it demanded from the players. Unlike traditional setups, where players adhere to fixed roles, Maresca’s Chelsea required constant awareness and seamless movement. Martin admitted that his team struggled to adapt, as the tactical execution left little opportunity for Southampton to regroup defensively or implement their own game plan.

Reflecting on the experience, Martin described Maresca’s approach as unlike anything he had encountered before. He acknowledged that it redefined modern football tactics and set a new standard for creative coaching at the highest level. His remarks underscored Maresca’s growing reputation as an innovative strategist with the ability to influence games through advanced tactics.

Martin also emphasized that the success of this system depends heavily on the technical and tactical intelligence of Chelsea’s players. He praised Maresca for not only introducing a groundbreaking approach but also instilling it effectively in his squad, enabling them to adapt to various situations while maintaining discipline and cohesion.

Martin’s comments highlight Maresca’s impact on the Premier League, cementing his status as a forward-thinking coach. By challenging traditional strategies and presenting new tactical possibilities, Maresca has left a significant impression on rivals, including experienced figures like Martin.