Chelsea’s default shape under Maresca is easily identifiable and widely known - but the Italian’s ‘line of six’ is a situational tactic

Chelsea's atmosphere at Stamford Bridge is more complex subject than simply blaming those in attendance for being bad fans.

Chelsea still have a Champions League spot in their grasp with Sunday’s win against Leicester at Stamford Bridge but there were still rumblings of discontent from the home fans

Still inside the stadium, Enzo Maresca used his post-match press conference to praise the flexibility of his side, after they had tweaked their shape to adapt to struggling Leicester fielding - shock horror - a reinforced defence away from home to one of the big boys.

That sets out his stall pretty clearly. What he wants is in direct opposition to what most supporters want to see. It is not impossible to get the crowd to back a team playing controlled football. Jose Mourinho did it. But he had the weight of unimpeachable results behind him. Maresca does not - yet.

Chelsea face an enormous week in their 2024/25 season with Copenhagen coming to Stamford Bridge on Thursday evening in the Conference League and then a Premier League trip to Arsenal less than 72 hour