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Coaching Staff

Coaching and Backroom Staff

Chelsea are among the most successful football clubs in England, not only due to their talented players but also because of the highly skilled coaching and support staff working behind the scenes. Leading this operation is manager Enzo Maresca, whose tactical expertise and leadership set the tone for the entire squad.

At Stamford Bridge, the manager is supported by a dedicated backroom team that ensures players perform at their best, both on and off the pitch. Key members include:

  • Assistant Coaches – They help implement training sessions, analyze opponents, and support tactical planning during matches.

  • Fitness and Conditioning Staff – Focused on keeping players in peak physical condition, reducing injuries, and optimizing recovery.

  • Goalkeeping Coaches – Specialized trainers working with goalkeepers to refine technique, positioning, and reflexes.

  • Medical Team – Doctors, physiotherapists, and sports scientists who monitor player health and treat injuries.

  • Tactical Analysts – Professionals who study game footage, gather statistics, and provide insights to enhance match preparation.

This comprehensive support structure allows Chelsea to maintain high performance standards week after week, both in domestic leagues and European competitions. While the players are the stars on the pitch, the expertise and coordination of the backroom staff are crucial in creating a winning environment.

From early morning training sessions to detailed match analysis, these unsung heroes ensure that Stamford Bridge remains a fortress and that Chelsea continues to compete at the highest levels of football. Their work is a testament to the club’s professionalism, ambition, and commitment to excellence.

Chelsea Manager: Enzo Maresca

Enzo Maresca: Leading Chelsea into a New Era

Chelsea appointed Enzo Maresca as their new manager in June 2024, signing him to an initial five-year contract with an option for an additional year. The Italian officially took charge on July 1, 2024, succeeding Mauricio Pochettino and inheriting the responsibility of guiding the club back to its position among England’s elite.

Maresca’s arrival marked Chelsea’s fifth managerial appointment since Todd Boehly’s consortium acquired the club in 2022. The ownership initially parted ways with Thomas Tuchel, whose spell had delivered silverware but ended amid inconsistent results. Graham Potter followed, bringing a fresh approach, before Frank Lampard returned as caretaker manager in an attempt to steady the ship.

Lampard’s return, however, could not reverse the club’s decline. Chelsea finished the 2022/23 Premier League season in 12th place, their lowest-ever position in the competition, with just 44 points. The underwhelming campaign underscored the need for a long-term plan and strong leadership to restore Chelsea’s competitive edge.

Mauricio Pochettino took charge for the 2023/24 season, implementing tactical changes and restructuring the squad, but his one-year tenure was not enough to fully stabilize the club. The board recognized the need for a manager capable of building consistency, developing young talent, and leading Chelsea back to domestic and European success.

Now, the responsibility falls on Enzo Maresca to steer the Blues forward from the 2024/25 season. Known for his tactical acumen, focus on youth development, and ability to motivate players, Maresca faces the challenge of restoring stability, reigniting Stamford Bridge’s passion, and returning Chelsea to the top tier of English football. Supporters and analysts alike are watching closely, hopeful that his tenure will mark the beginning of a new, successful chapter in the club’s storied history.

Chelsea Coaching Staff

Willy Caballero (Assistant)

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Willy Caballero: From Goalkeeper to Trusted Coach

Willy Caballero enjoyed a highly successful spell at Chelsea during his playing career, lifting several major trophies, including the UEFA Champions League, FA Cup, and Europa League. Known for his sharp reflexes, commanding presence in goal, and professionalism on and off the pitch, Caballero became a respected figure among teammates and fans alike.

Now, he has returned to Stamford Bridge in a new role as part of the coaching staff, bringing his wealth of experience and insight to help guide the next generation of players. Caballero’s transition from player to coach highlights his deep understanding of the game and commitment to Chelsea’s long-term success.

His connection with manager Enzo Maresca goes back years. The duo first worked together at Málaga in Spain, where Caballero’s experience and Maresca’s tactical vision created a strong professional bond. Later, Caballero joined Maresca at Leicester City, serving as his assistant and contributing to the team’s tactical planning, training sessions, and match preparation.

Returning to Chelsea, Caballero brings both familiarity with Maresca’s methods and an intimate knowledge of top-level football, making him a key figure in the club’s coaching setup. His presence ensures that Chelsea players not only benefit from his technical expertise but also inherit the winning mentality that defined his playing career.

From lifting trophies as a player to mentoring future stars as a coach, Willy Caballero embodies the continuity, experience, and professionalism that Chelsea values at Stamford Bridge. Fans are excited to see the impact of his knowledge and leadership behind the scenes as the Blues strive for renewed success under Maresca.

Roberto Vitiello (Assistant)

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Trusted Assistant: Italian Defensive Expert

A former Italian defender with extensive experience in Serie A, he has brought his tactical knowledge and leadership to Chelsea as one of Enzo Maresca’s most trusted assistants. His deep understanding of defensive organization, positioning, and game intelligence allows him to guide the squad in maintaining a solid backline while fostering confidence in individual defenders.

Before joining Chelsea, he collaborated closely with Maresca at Leicester City, where he played an instrumental role in implementing a possession-based, tactically disciplined style of play. His ability to translate Maresca’s strategic vision into practical coaching sessions made him an indispensable part of the coaching team.

At Stamford Bridge, he is particularly known for his work in mentoring Chelsea’s younger players, helping academy graduates adapt to first-team demands while instilling professionalism and tactical awareness. His experience as a top-level defender also ensures that seasoned players continue to refine their defensive skills, improving the team’s cohesion and resilience under pressure.

Beyond tactics, he is valued for his communication and man-management skills, building trust within the squad and creating an environment where players feel supported both on and off the pitch. Through his guidance, Chelsea’s backline has become stronger, more disciplined, and better equipped to compete against Europe’s elite teams.

In short, his combination of Serie A experience, tactical expertise, and mentoring ability makes him a cornerstone of Chelsea’s coaching setup, contributing directly to the Blues’ ambition of sustained domestic and European success.

Danny Walker (First Team Coach)

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Danny Walker: Tactical Architect and Training Specialist

Danny Walker is a key member of Enzo Maresca’s trusted backroom staff at Chelsea, having previously collaborated with the Italian manager during their time at Leicester City. His experience and understanding of Maresca’s football philosophy make him an invaluable asset in translating tactical concepts into practical training routines.

At Stamford Bridge, Walker plays a central role in designing and overseeing first-team training sessions, ensuring that every drill and exercise aligns with Maresca’s vision of dynamic, possession-based football. His sessions focus on maintaining high technical standards, improving player decision-making, and fostering seamless team coordination on the pitch.

Walker’s expertise also extends to player development, particularly in helping younger squad members adapt to the intensity and demands of top-flight football. By combining tactical insight with hands-on coaching, he ensures that both seasoned professionals and emerging talent perform consistently within the team’s system.

Known for his attention to detail and methodical approach, Walker works closely with the rest of the coaching staff to prepare Chelsea for every opponent, emphasizing adaptability, teamwork, and tactical discipline. His contributions behind the scenes play a crucial role in ensuring the Blues operate at the highest level, both in domestic competitions and on the European stage.

Through his dedication, tactical knowledge, and mentoring skills, Danny Walker has become a cornerstone of Chelsea’s backroom team, helping the club rebuild, refine, and maintain its competitive edge under Maresca’s leadership.

Michele De Bernardin (Goalkeeper Coach)

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Michele De Bernardin: Master of Goalkeeper Development

Michele De Bernardin serves as Chelsea’s goalkeeper coach under Enzo Maresca, bringing expertise, precision, and a deep understanding of modern goalkeeping techniques to Stamford Bridge. A trusted member of Maresca’s backroom staff, De Bernardin previously worked alongside the Italian manager at Leicester City, forming a professional partnership built on tactical alignment and shared football philosophy.

At Chelsea, De Bernardin is renowned for his meticulous approach to goalkeeper development. He focuses on enhancing reflexes, improving positioning, and training modern distribution skills that complement Maresca’s possession-based style of play. His sessions are designed to ensure that Chelsea’s goalkeepers are not only reliable shot-stoppers but also active participants in building play from the back.

Beyond technical training, De Bernardin emphasizes mental resilience and decision-making, preparing goalkeepers to handle high-pressure situations in both domestic and European competitions. He works closely with the first-team squad as well as emerging talent from the academy, helping young goalkeepers transition smoothly to the demands of top-level football.

De Bernardin’s influence extends beyond individual skill development. By instilling discipline, confidence, and tactical awareness, he ensures that Chelsea’s goalkeepers contribute effectively to the team’s overall strategy. His expertise has become a key factor in strengthening Stamford Bridge’s defensive foundation, making him an integral part of Maresca’s coaching setup.

Through his knowledge, attention to detail, and commitment to excellence, Michele De Bernardin plays a pivotal role in shaping Chelsea’s goalkeeping standards, ensuring the club remains competitive at the highest levels.

Marcos Álvarez (Fitness Coach)

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Marcos Álvarez: Fitness and Conditioning Expert

Marcos Álvarez brings extensive expertise in player fitness and conditioning to Chelsea’s coaching staff, ensuring the squad remains physically prepared for the rigors of top-flight football. Having worked across leading European clubs, Álvarez has honed his ability to design tailored training programs that enhance performance, optimize endurance, and reduce the risk of injuries.

At Stamford Bridge, Álvarez is known for his disciplined, scientific, and modern approach to physical preparation. He monitors every player’s fitness levels, recovery, and workload, making adjustments to training intensity based on performance data and match schedules. His meticulous attention to detail ensures that Chelsea players can maintain peak condition throughout the demanding Premier League season and the challenges of European competitions.

Beyond the first-team squad, Álvarez also contributes to the development of younger players, helping academy prospects adapt to the physical demands of professional football. His programs focus not only on strength and stamina but also on agility, flexibility, and injury prevention — critical elements for sustaining long-term success.

Álvarez’s work extends behind the scenes, collaborating closely with the medical team, nutritionists, and coaching staff to create an integrated approach to player wellness and performance. His expertise allows the squad to execute Enzo Maresca’s tactical vision effectively, knowing that their physical preparation is optimized for both intensity and longevity.

Through his experience, innovation, and commitment, Marcos Álvarez plays a vital role in ensuring that Chelsea’s players are fit, resilient, and ready to perform at the highest level, helping the club compete for trophies season after season.

Javi Molina (Analyst)

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Javi Molina: Tactical and Performance Analyst

Javi Molina serves as Chelsea’s team analyst, playing a pivotal role in translating data into actionable insights that guide the club’s tactical decisions. He is responsible for in-depth match analysis, player performance tracking, and strategic evaluation, ensuring that Enzo Maresca and the coaching staff have the information they need to prepare the team for every opponent.

Before joining Chelsea, Molina worked closely with Maresca at Leicester City, where his meticulous analysis and innovative approach helped implement performance tracking systems that were crucial to the team’s promotion-winning campaign. His ability to identify patterns, strengths, and weaknesses allowed Maresca to make informed tactical adjustments and optimize player performance on the pitch.

At Stamford Bridge, Molina continues to provide detailed video breakdowns, statistical reports, and opposition scouting, supporting both first-team and youth players in understanding tactical nuances. His work ensures that every training session, match plan, and player deployment aligns with Maresca’s vision for a possession-based, dynamic style of play.

Molina is also instrumental in developing younger staff and analysts, sharing his methods and analytical expertise to strengthen Chelsea’s long-term scouting and performance infrastructure. His behind-the-scenes contributions are crucial to maintaining the club’s competitive edge, allowing the Blues to approach every match with strategic clarity and preparation.

Through his data-driven insights, tactical awareness, and collaborative approach, Javi Molina has become a cornerstone of Chelsea’s backroom staff, helping the team make smarter decisions and execute Maresca’s football philosophy at the highest level.

Ben Roberts (Head of Global Goalkeeping)

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Ben Roberts: Head of Global Goalkeeping

Ben Roberts began his coaching journey in 2009, taking up the role of goalkeeper coach and chief scout at Yeovil Town, where he honed his skills in player development and talent identification. Just a year later, he moved to Charlton Athletic, spending five formative years with the Addicks and establishing himself as a rising star in goalkeeper coaching.

Following his tenure at Charlton, Roberts joined Brighton & Hove Albion, where he worked closely with talented goalkeepers, including Robert Sánchez, helping them refine their technique, decision-making, and confidence between the posts. His reputation for combining technical expertise with innovative coaching methods soon made him a sought-after figure in English football.

In 2022, Roberts joined Chelsea under Graham Potter, bringing his experience and vision to Stamford Bridge. With the appointment of Enzo Maresca, he was promoted to Head of Global Goalkeeping, overseeing not just first-team goalkeepers but also talent development across the academy and scouting network. In this role, Roberts ensures that Chelsea maintains a consistent goalkeeping philosophy at all levels, focusing on modern techniques, distribution skills, and mental resilience.

Renowned for his methodical approach, attention to detail, and ability to nurture talent, Ben Roberts plays a crucial role in shaping the next generation of Chelsea goalkeepers while supporting the first team in achieving success on domestic and European stages. His influence extends beyond the training ground, helping build a legacy of excellence and continuity in Chelsea’s goalkeeping department.