Enzo Maresca urges Chelsea to finish 2025 strongly against Bournemouth

Enzo Maresca has underlined the importance of finishing 2025 on a high as Chelsea prepare to host Bournemouth at Stamford Bridge, insisting his side must find a way to turn strong performances into results.

The Chelsea head coach spoke ahead of the final fixture of a year that has already delivered silverware and significant progress. Chelsea lifted the UEFA Conference League trophy in May, followed by success on the global stage with victory in the FIFA Club World Cup in New York, while qualification for next season’s Champions League has also been secured.

Premier League business, however, remains the immediate priority, with Bournemouth visiting west London after holding Chelsea to a 0-0 draw at the Vitality Stadium earlier this month.

Speaking in his pre-match press conference, Enzo Maresca made clear that three points are the priority.

“It’s very important to finish the year in the best way,” Maresca said.
“For sure, it will be another tough game because they are all tough in the Premier League, but we need to win games as soon as possible.”

Chelsea come into the match off the back of a frustrating 2-1 defeat to Aston Villa, a result that left Maresca feeling his side had not been rewarded for a dominant first-half display.

The Blues controlled the opening 45 minutes against Villa and went into the break with a deserved lead. However, the momentum shifted after half-time, with Ollie Watkins scoring twice to complete the turnaround for a Villa side who arrived at Stamford Bridge on a ten-match winning run.

Maresca acknowledged the frustration but believes there were positives to take.

“For one hour we can take many positive things,” he said. “Not many teams create as many chances against Aston Villa, and in the first half they were 0.00 in terms of their xG, so they didn’t create anything.”

The Chelsea boss pointed to Villa’s recent record to underline the significance of that control.

“I watched the game they played against Arsenal and other games they have won and they have always created chances,” he added. “So these are positive things.”

Despite those positives, Maresca admitted there is a recurring issue his side must address.

“We need to understand how we manage the game better when we concede goals,” he explained. “We need to understand the reason why, because I don’t think it’s random when something continues to happen.

“No matter if we are winning, drawing or losing, when we concede a goal we lose a little bit of control. We need to understand why.”

That theme has emerged several times this season, with Chelsea often strong for long spells but vulnerable once momentum swings.

Chelsea host Bournemouth at Stamford Bridge in their final Premier League fixture of 2025, knowing a win would provide a positive platform heading into the New Year. With European action resuming next month and momentum at stake, Maresca will be keen to see his side apply the lessons from recent setbacks.

Can Chelsea turn control into consistency and end 2025 with the win Enzo Maresca is demanding?