Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca wants his side to remain fully focused in “tough game” against Ipswich, as the Blues continue to pursue a Champions League spot for next season.
Enzo Maresca has expressed caution ahead of his team’s upcoming Premier League fixture against Ipswich Town at Stamford Bridge. The Blues are currently in a battle to finish in the top five, which would be enough to secure an automatic spot for next season’s Champions League competition.
“It will be a tough game, no doubt,” said Maresca. “In this moment, any team you face is complicated. No matter if it’s Southampton, Ipswich or Leicester City, because they want to show themselves and finish in the right way. They don’t like to lose games, so it will be tough.”
Ipswich Town won the reverse fixture 2-0 at Portman Road in December. Liam Delap, who scored the first goal in that game, is currently on Chelsea’s radar for the summer transfer window. Chelsea have struggled in attack all season, and reports are that the club’s transfer department believe the 22-year-old, who has scored 12 goals in 30 games so far, can bring some extra firepower to Stamford Bridge.
Asked about Delap, Maresca was full of praise.
“He’s very good. I know Liam from 5-6 years ago. I had him for one season with [Manchester] City U-23s. I know him quite well. He’s already a very good player, and he can be a top player.”
When asked if he was confident that his side could secure one of the Premier League’s five Champions League spots by finishing in the top five, Maresca replied in the affirmative.
“I look at the reality,” he said. “And I think all season we have been in the top four. We were second for many weeks. I am confident for that. Now we have seven games to go, and hopefully we can finish where we are.”
