Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca is pleased with his side’s development despite facing the risk of missing out on the UEFA Champions League next season.
The Blues are currently sixth on the English Premier League standings, although they are just three points behind Nottingham Forest in fourth place and must secure a top five finish to avoid missing out for a third straight year.
Speaking ahead of the clash against Everton on Saturday, Maresca stated that the ‘Pride of London’ have massively improved having finished 12th and sixth in the past two seasons.
“How many times in the last two years has Chelsea been in the Champions League [places]? Zero,” Maresca said.
“How many times this season? Almost all season. It is an improvement or not? It is already an improvement because we spend all season there. Now, we are going to try our best to finish there no doubt.
We want to finish there, no doubt. We are happy to finish there, yes. Is it enough? No, because we want to compete for titles. But compared to the past two years, I think it is quite clear that there is an improvement. Now, if you want to see it, you see it. If you don’t want to see it, you don’t see it. It depends which way. I see it”, the Italian continued.
Chelsea were second on the standings back in December, but a poor run of form has seen them locked in a five-team battle for the final three UCL spots.
Maresca has been under intense pressure in recent weeks, with the Blues winning just two of their last five league matches, although they defeated Poland side Legia Warsaw to book a spot in the UEFA Conference League semifinals.
“We had some moments, some good moments but the good thing is me as a manager, the club, we all have a vision of where we want to go and I think we are in the right direction,” he added.
“Hopefully we can be there very soon. The players are working hard every day to bring the club where it has to be. The club has a vision. The journey just started.”
Chelsea host Everton in Saturday’s early kickoff knowing a win will move them back into the top four, before traveling to play Djurgarden on Thursday.
Olakitan is a young writer with a strong passion for sports, having gained experience with IndyPress and Nimelssa Press. His enthusiasm for sports inspired him to cover events both within his school and beyond. With a deep understanding of the game and a refined skillset, he brings sports coverage to a broad, global audience in a way that’s engaging and accessible.
