Enzo Maresca has secured his continuity as Chelsea’s coach, regardless of whether the team qualifies for the next edition of the Champions League.
The London team’s season is at a crucial moment, as they are vying for a place in the top five of the Premier League, which would guarantee their participation in the top European club competition. In addition, Chelsea could close the campaign with a title if they defeat Real Betis in the Europa Conference League final on May 28.
Although qualifying for the Champions League would be ideal, Maresca would not be under pressure if the team does not achieve that goal or does not win its first trophy since 2021.
Maresca signed a five-year contract last summer, and both the length of the contract and the youth of the squad have led Chelsea to show determination to persevere and build on what they consider encouraging signs of progress this season.
In a press conference on Thursday, Maresca stated that there have been no internal conversations about his future.
We haven’t spoken about that, to be honest. We haven’t had a conversation about whether we’re in the Champions League or not.
Enzo Maresca
This stance reflects the confidence that Maresca believes he has in Chelsea’s hierarchy, including co-owners Clearlake Capital and Todd Boehly.
Chelsea sacked Mauricio Pochettino after just one season in charge, when the club finished in sixth position, but the situation is different this time.
The club will review its season as usual, but they have been impressed with the signs of progress; in March, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta described Chelsea as “the best attacking team in the league”.
Maresca is expected to be evaluated at the end of his second season, a point the Italian alluded to on Thursday.
From day one, I said that the objective the club gave me was that in two years we wanted to play in the Champions League.
Enzo Maresca
Maresca’s task will be made difficult by the absence of Nicolas Jackson following his red card in the match against Newcastle last weekend.
While reiterating his frustration with Jackson’s behavior in colliding with Sven Botman during the first half at St James’ Park, Maresca admitted that the club might need to examine whether they have a wider disciplinary problem.
Chelsea have accumulated 96 yellow cards this season, more than any other club, and also topped the table in 2023-24 under Pochettino.
Maresca added:
I think Nico is smart enough to recognize that there has been a mistake, an error.
Enzo Maresca
