Enzo Maresca, the Chelsea manager, has asked fans not to compare the current team to the successful Chelsea of the past. Following the important victory that brings them closer to qualifying for the Champions League, Maresca asked supporters to trust the project.
Marc Cucurella’s goal in the 71st minute secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Manchester United at Stamford Bridge. This win propelled the team to fourth place in the Premier League table.
Securing a place in the top five guarantees participation in Europe’s most prestigious club competition. A victory in the last match against Nottingham Forest would confirm Chelsea’s presence in the Champions League.
Maresca believes that the criticism towards Chelsea is based on their successful past, under the direction of former owner Roman Abramovich, when the club won 21 titles, including two Champions League titles, in a period of 19 years.
In statements to Sky Sports, Maresca commented: “The problem, in general, is that you, the press, think this is the same Chelsea as years ago. It isn’t.”
I don’t think that, since I’ve been here, we expect more money than other clubs. It’s about building something important. People have to trust us; we’re going in the right direction.
Enzo Maresca
Maresca and his team enthusiastically celebrated the victory. The coach added: “Without the ball, I think we played a fantastic game. The team was very aggressive until the end, we tried to press higher up and I think we deserved to win the match.”
“It’s good to work on solutions and then mark,” he added.
This was the last home game of the season for Chelsea, who have shown an irregular performance since Maresca took over. The team did a lap of honor around the field before retiring.
Reece James, who assisted Cucurella’s goal, also spoke to Sky Sports. “The Champions League is where this club belongs, competing in the best competitions”.
“People like to write us off and call us young, but it’s an experienced Manchester United team and we did what was necessary to get the three points.”
