It's been a stellar summer holiday for Enzo Maresca, whose Chelsea side have cruised to the Club World Cup final. They'll be up against it in Sunday's showpiece match against Paris Saint-Germain, but with around £100million having been banked in prize money, Maresca and the Chelsea chiefs will leave the United States with smiles on their faces.
Despite reaching the final of the Club World Cup, there's still plenty of work for Maresca and co. to do before the start of the new Premier League season in just over a month's time. As such, Express Sport have detailed three pressing issues on Maresca's to-do list at Chelsea.
Fix Chelsea's goalkeeper situation
Had things worked out differently, there's every chance Chelsea would've had a different goalkeeper between the sticks for the Club World Cup. Mike Maignan was heavily linked with a move to the capital club pre-tournament, with the expectation that Chelsea will try their hand once again ahead of the new season. Having switched between Robert Sanchez and Filip Jorgensen last season, it's clear Maresca isn't settled on his No.1 goalkeeper - something that could be about to change this summer.
Decide on first-choice striker
Speaking of finding a first-choice option, after securing signings for Liam Delap and Joao Pedro, Chelsea certainly have flexibility in the striker department, but it could give Maresca an unwanted headache down the line. If Chelsea want to challenge consistently at the right end of the table next season, Maresca will need a clear idea of who his go-to guys are. Otherwise, they could find themselves in a similar situation as they have done with their wingers this season - plenty of options, but no clear standout.
Shift deadwood and trim bloated squad
And finally, Chelsea's squad has to get smaller. Joao Felix spent the second half of last season out on loan at AC Milan. Marc Guiu is unlikely to get a sniff with the latest attacking additions. Chelsea started last season with eight goalkeepers on their books. Wesley Fofana has been riddled with injuries since joining the club and has shown no sign of staying fit. Ben Chilwell is under contract at Stamford Bridge until 2027. That's not to mention the likes of Lesley Ugochukwu, Djordje Petrovic, Armando Broja, Renato Veiga, Axel Disasi and Alfie Gilchrist, who all spent last season on loan as well.
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