In the past 12 months Chelsea won two pieces of silverware and brought Champions League football back to Stamford Bridge, making it a successful 2025 for Maresca and his men.

The work goes on, though, something the head coach is acutely aware of. He was asked at his media conference today what is top of his wishlist for 2026.

‘To continue to grow, that is the most important thing,’ Maresca replied.

‘It’s normal to have injuries when you play every two or three days but for sure if they can all be healthy, it’s the best thing. But we will try to find solutions game after game.

Maresca added: ‘We are fighting in four competitions and we are in a very good place at this moment. We are competing, we are good, but now in January and February there are many games so we will set the target in March.’

It has also been a very good year for Reece James. Our captain has been carefully managed to help his return to full fitness, and he is now back performing at his very best level.

The skipper had the joy of lifting the Conference League and the Club World Cup after our triumphs in those competitions, and there is no question James has re-established himself as a vital cog in this Chelsea team.

‘He is growing in terms of leadership and as a player because he is playing more minutes,’ noted Maresca.

‘This is the reason why we are all happy, because he can be fit and healthy, and we know he can behave as a leader.

‘He is one of the main players for different reasons. He is an Academy player, he is from the house, he is the captain, when he is fit he is one of the best players we have, no doubt, so he is a main player.’

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