Enzo Maresca has defended his first season at Chelsea, insisting that it should not be considered a failure, despite mounting criticism of his conservative tactics in the club’s push for a Champions League spot. With only five matches remaining in the Premier League, Chelsea are currently in sixth place, just two points behind fifth-placed Newcastle, but their recent form has been shaky. The Blues have managed only six wins in their last 17 league games, raising concerns over Maresca’s ability to meet expectations.
Chelsea’s inconsistency has led to frustration among fans, who have not been shy about voicing their displeasure. Many supporters have criticized Maresca’s cautious approach, and the team’s struggles have only amplified the discontent. Maresca’s muted reaction following the recent 2-1 victory over Fulham, which saw Chelsea come from behind with two late goals, was seen as a sign of his awareness of the growing tension. He left the pitch without celebrating and headed straight down the tunnel, a move interpreted by many as a response to the mounting pressure from frustrated fans.
Despite this, Maresca remains confident that his efforts should be recognized. He points to the fact that Chelsea has spent much of the season in or around the Champions League spots, a significant improvement over the previous two years when they failed to make the top four. Reflecting on his team’s progress, Maresca remarked, “Compared to the last two years, the season is not a failure. How many times in the last two years have Chelsea been in the Champions League places? And this season, we have been there almost all season. It’s an improvement or not? It’s already an improvement.”
Although Chelsea’s new ownership, led by Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital, has invested over £1 billion in player acquisitions since their takeover in 2022, the club has yet to win a major trophy. This lack of silverware in the post-Roman Abramovich era has been a point of contention for many, especially given the heavy investment in new players. However, Maresca believes that Chelsea’s trajectory is on the right path, citing the team’s brief time in second place this season, where they were only two points behind Liverpool, the eventual champions.
Maresca added that the season’s ups and downs should be viewed in the context of improvement rather than failure. “If you want to see it, you see it. If you don’t want to see it, you don’t see it. It depends on the way you look at it. I see it as progress,” he said. The Italian manager emphasized the club’s ambitions, stating that Chelsea’s focus should remain on achieving success in the future. He remains determined to bring the club back to the level its fans expect, despite the obstacles that have surfaced throughout the season.
The tension between Maresca and the Chelsea fanbase has been evident at various points during the season, with supporters voicing frustration over the team’s performances. Maresca acknowledged this, suggesting that the fans’ expectations have fluctuated based on the team’s results. “The fans are the same as when they were singing that Chelsea is back and showing that they were happy,” he said. “Now, because we are not winning the same number of games as at the beginning, they are showing they’re not happy.”
Despite the growing discontent, Maresca remains resolute in his belief that Chelsea is moving in the right direction. He knows that the team must finish the season strongly if they are to secure a top-five finish and qualify for European competition. The next few weeks will be crucial for Maresca and Chelsea as they seek to overcome their struggles and fulfill the ambitions of both the club and its supporters.
