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Samuel - May 30, 2025
Chelsea’s 2024/25 season was packed with twists and turns, culminating in a phenomenal ending that fans across the world will never forget, especially due to their Chelsea Conference League win. With new manager Enzo Maresca at the helm, the club began the season with high aspirations of reclaiming their place among Europe’s elite.
After years of disappointment and near-misses, Chelsea supporters were desperate for silverware, and their patience was finally rewarded as the Blues lifted the UEFA Conference League trophy.
The triumph not only ended the club’s long wait for a trophy but also made history, with Chelsea becoming the first club to win all major UEFA competitions. It marked a significant turning point and a moment of immense pride for the fans.
Let’s take a look at Chelsea’s eventful campaign and how their European success ushers in a new era for the club.
Chelsea’s season was defined by both resilience and reinvention. Although they ultimately achieved their goals, the journey was anything but straightforward. The campaign began amid low expectations due to a poor preseason that left many with doubts, are Enzo Maresca’s tactics were effective at Chelsea?
Contrary to those doubts, Chelsea started brightly in the Premier League, with their attack firing on all cylinders. However, their promising form took an early hit with a Carabao Cup exit in October following a 2-0 defeat to Newcastle.
Despite that setback, the Blues remained consistent in the league, climbing to second place and entering the title conversation alongside Arsenal and Liverpool. But momentum stalled in late December, as Chelsea went five games without a win before a much-needed 3-1 victory over Wolverhampton in January.
The struggles continued with a disappointing FA Cup exit to Brighton. With their domestic cup ambitions dashed, Chelsea refocused their energy on the Premier League top-four race and the Conference League.
Injuries to strikers Nicolas Jackson and Marc Guiu post-January window left Maresca’s side short of firepower, and their Premier League form suffered, pushing them out of the top four.
This poor run sparked intense debate about the players’ mentality and Enzo Maresca’s tactical approach, as well as potential strategies for turning things around.
Maresca’s commitment to a possession-based system began to take shape in March, with midfield rotations and high pressing enabling Chelsea to control games more effectively. As the Blues found their footing, the Champions League qualification battle intensified, with several top teams in the mix.
With a place in the Conference League final secured, Chelsea’s final league fixture became crucial, and they delivered, edging Nottingham Forest 1-0 on the final matchday to clinch their first Champions League qualification since the 2021/22 season.
The campaign ended with a statement performance in the Conference League final against Real Betis in Wrocław. After trailing at halftime, Chelsea bounced back with a dominant second half to win 4-1 and lift their first trophy in three years.
Enzo Maresca’s appointment as Chelsea manager at the start of the season sparked controversy among fans and pundits, who questioned his experience and tactical ability for a high-profile club like Chelsea.
The Italian manager, Enzo Maresca joined from Leicester City after winning the Championship and promoting the Foxes to the Premier League, faced a formidable task in his managerial career with the Blues.
Maresca was charged with revamping Chelsea’s young squad, guiding them back to Champions League football, and securing silverware.
Despite the season’s twists and turns, Maresca defied expectations and led Chelsea back to the Champions League after a three-year absence.
His European triumph has cemented his place in Chelsea’s history books, joining an elite group of managers- including Jose Mourinho, Antonio Conte, Thomas Tuchel, and Maurizio Sarri, who have won major trophies in their debut season.
The Todd Boehly-led consortium has finally secured its first trophy since taking over Chelsea in 2022, marking a significant milestone for the club’s new ownership.
Despite facing criticism for their management style, which some attributed to the team’s trophy drought, the consortium introduced the BlueCo project- a youth-centric recruitment strategy aimed at developing high-potential players and building a sustainable, competitive, and financially viable model.
However, the project was met with backlash from Chelsea fans, who felt it prioritized profit over immediate success, a stark departure from the club’s traditional approach of signing experienced players for instant impact.
After three years of navigating skepticism, the BlueCo project appears to be paying off. The 2024/25 season is likely to be remembered as a landmark moment for the owners.
The consortium’s efforts have now delivered both Champions League qualification and a European trophy, achievements secured with one of the youngest squads in Europe’s top five leagues, which is a testament to their vision and strategy.
Winning the Conference League and returning to the Champions League marks a new dawn for Chelsea. The triumph has not only boosted morale but also instilled a winning mentality in a squad full of young talent.
With European football’s top stage now confirmed, Chelsea can attract top signings and begin to compete for elite players.
The success in Wrocław proves that this young team has what it takes to shine on big occasions, and the upcoming Club World Cup offers another platform to showcase their quality.
As the 2025/26 season approaches, the signs point to a bright future. The Blues have laid a strong foundation under Maresca, and the journey ahead promises to be an exciting one.
Chelsea’s Conference League triumph did more than end a trophy drought, it marked the beginning of a new era. The 2024/25 season highlighted the potential of a young, dynamic squad and the steady hand of Enzo Maresca. With history made, confidence restored, and Champions League football guaranteed, the Blues are back on the path to success and all eyes will be on their next chapter.
