"Senior source" gloats about bulletproof Chelsea plan which means success even if someone "is hit by a bus"

Today at 08:00 AM

The i had a really interesting long read today looking at Chelsea's situation now, with things finally heading in the right direction under the new ownership.

One thing that is pointed out is the difficulty of sacking Mauricio Pochettino, whom most fans had warmed to, and replacing him with a far less proven manager in Enzo Maresca. Those at the club are clearly pretty smug about their decision – the Blues are third in the table and Maresca has really improved them.

The idea of getting a young coach in who can grow with the players and the club is something which clearly appealed to those in charge, and is now paying off. Someone who was part of making that decision wasn't afraid to pat themselves on the back about it:

"The sporting team has a chance to be here with Enzo for the rest of the decade and beyond. Everyone's got to do their part, work hard, be a team player. Results are the outcome of talent and work ethic and character," they quote a "senior source" as saying.

"The football philosophy and style of play, it's been built so if any one person is hit by a bus you can continue and still be successful. We don't anticipate changing that. Enzo is at the right time of his career with the right people to be here a very long time."

Treating Maresca's bright start with caution

It's a lovely idea, but you hear the same thing every time a manager has a bright start somewhere. We'd love the "manager could be here for ten years or more" trope to come true this time, but we all know this is football, and that would be a pretty massive exception to the rule.