Enzo Maresca Defends Chelsea Progress Despite Champions League Uncertainty
Speaking ahead of the final rounds of the Premier League campaign, Maresca pointed to Chelsea’s clear improvement under his leadership.
Chelsea Manager Enzo Maresca. Photo/Getty Images.
By Robert Assad
Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has firmly defended his team’s progress this season, insisting that missing out on Champions League qualification should not be seen as a failure when compared to the club’s recent struggles.
Speaking ahead of the final rounds of the Premier League campaign, Maresca pointed to Chelsea’s clear improvement under his leadership.
“Compared to the last two years, it is not a failure,” Maresca stated. “How many times in the last two years have Chelsea been in the Champions League? Zero. How many times have we been in a Champions League spot in the table this season? Almost all season.”
Chelsea, who have spent much of the 2024/25 campaign within the top four, are battling to secure a return to Europe’s elite competition. Despite a few setbacks in recent weeks, Maresca is confident that his team’s overall trajectory has been positive.
“Is it an improvement or not? It’s already an improvement because we have spent all season there,” he said. “Now, we are going to try our best to finish there, no doubt. We want to finish there, no doubt.”
Maresca admitted that while qualifying for the Champions League would be a cause for satisfaction, it would not be the end goal for Chelsea. “We are happy to finish there? Yes. Is it enough? No, because we want to compete for titles,” he emphasized.
The Italian tactician also addressed the expectations placed on the team, urging fans and critics alike to appreciate the progress made since his appointment. “Compared to the last two years, I think it’s quite clear that there’s an improvement. If you want to see it, you see it. If you don’t want to see it, you don’t see it. It depends in which way… I see that.”
Chelsea supporters will be eager to see their club reclaim a spot in the Champions League after a turbulent few seasons, and Maresca’s optimism signals a new era of stability and ambition at Stamford Bridge.
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