Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca has pushed again towards claims that his debut marketing campaign has been a disappointment, insisting that critics are ignoring the strides his group has made this season.
The Italian head coach spoke out following his aspect’s 2-1 win over Fulham at Craven Cottage final weekend – a end result that momentarily pushed Chelsea again into the highest 5 and reignited hopes of a Champions League return.
Whereas Nottingham Forest have since reclaimed fifth place, Maresca stays assured within the path the group is heading as Chelsea put together for an important conflict towards Everton.
“In comparison with the final two years, (the season) will not be a failure,” mentioned Maresca.
“What number of instances within the final two years have Chelsea been within the Champions League (locations)? And this season we’ve been there nearly all season. It’s an enchancment or not? It’s already an enchancment.”
Chelsea’s current historical past underneath homeowners Todd Boehly has been turbulent, marked by heavy funding – over £1 billion in transfers – and frequent modifications in each the squad and training workers.
The membership completed twelfth in 2023 and climbed to sixth final season. This marketing campaign was meant to stabilise the mission, with much less upheaval and a clearer construction, however the group presently sits in the identical league place because it did on the finish of final yr.
Regardless of a mid-season surge that noticed Chelsea briefly rise to second in December, simply two factors off prime spot, their type took a flip quickly after. Even so, Maresca nonetheless believes that the larger image exhibits enchancment.
Squad replace forward of Everton.
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) April 25, 2025
“In comparison with the final two years it’s fairly clear there’s an enchancment,” he added.
“If you wish to see it, you see it. For those who don’t need to see it, you don’t see it. Relies upon by which manner (you look). I see it.
“We’ve got the duty to convey this membership to the place it belongs. The outcomes have been there. Me as a supervisor, the membership, all of us have ambition. I believe we’re in the best path and hopefully we could be there very quickly.”
Maresca’s relationship with Chelsea’s fanbase has been strained through the rocky patch of outcomes, and tensions have been evident once more after the Fulham win.
Notably, he opted to not be a part of within the celebrations with the travelling supporters after Pedro Neto’s late winner.
“I can perceive (the frustration).
“We are attempting to maintain them blissful. I believe the followers are the identical as (in December) once they have been singing that Chelsea is again and displaying that they have been blissful.
“Now as a result of we’re not successful the identical variety of video games as originally, they’re displaying they’re not blissful. In the way in which we accepted it once they have been singing that Chelsea is again, we have to settle for it now that they don’t seem to be blissful.”
