Maresca’s approach has been criticised by fans, but the Chelsea manager has now urged them to trust the process
Enzo Maresca has sent a message to Chelsea fans, asking them to “trust the club”. The Chelsea manager has come under fire for his tactics in recent months, particularly the awkward possession-based style that has seen them score too few goals and struggle to play out from the back.
Maresca almost made things worse on Sunday when he blamed fans for the team going two goals down against relegation-bound Ipswich Town. But speaking in his press conference ahead of the club’s Conference League tie against Legia Warsaw, the head coach tried to calm things down. Then he also called for some trust, saying that there is evidence that the team are on the right track.
“In the last two years, Chelsea has been top four zero times,” the head coach said. “This season we have been top four most of our season.
“I was not here last season, two years ago. So I’m not judging what’s happened last year or two years ago. I’m just judging this season. And this is the reason why I think fans, they have to trust the team, they have to trust the club, what we are doing now.
“I would like to fight for titles with this club, for the Premier League and the Champions League. But at the same time I think we have to be realistic and see that this team is improving this season. It’s there, it’s numbers.
“It’s quite clear that the direction is the right one. The style is the right one. Before the Ipswich game, we were the third‑best defenders after Arsenal and Liverpool. And the third- or fourth‑best attacking. They are numbers that show that the team is doing well.”
Asked further about the fans and their complaints about the team’s style of play, Maresca added: “If fans complain because after four minutes our keeper gave the ball away, if I am one of the fans, I also complain. But sometimes also they complain with something that probably they cannot see, but it’s a planned game.
“The fans, with us, they have been always good. Sometimes they are not happy, but when you are 0-2 at home against Ipswich and we are making some mistakes, it’s normal that they are not happy.”
Chelsea face Legia at home with a three-goal advantage from the first leg. After that, they face Fulham on Sunday, in a game that could define the club’s position in terms of European competition next season.
