Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has hailed the club’s supporters following their EFL Cup quarter final win over Cardiff City on Wednesday.
The Blues defeated the Championship side 3-1 as they advanced to the last four of the competition, marking their third semifinal under the Italian manager.
The former Leicester City manager had delivered a shocking post-match comment after the win over Everton last weekend, where he cast doubts on his future at the club.
However, Maresca was full of delight as he appreciated the club’s supporters after his name was chanted during the hard-earned victory.
“It was a great moment, I appreciate it, I’m always thankful. I said many times in many press conferences, the support has always been there, knowing that any supporters in the world, when you don’t win, they are not happy.
“So in some moments that we didn’t win games, they have been not happy, but it’s normal. But overall, the fans have always been there”, the Italian remarked.
The match was keenly contested, as a much-changed Chelsea side struggled to break down the spirited hosts in the first half.
Substitute Alejandro Garnacho broke the deadlock in the 57th minute, but the home side hit back through David Turnbull.
Pedro Neto put the Blues back in front, before Garnacho added his second of the game in stoppage-time to seal progress into the semifinals.
“Tonight, the focus has to be that we reached the semi-final. The support from the fans since day one has always been there”, Maresca continued.
“I know sometimes when you don’t win games, it’s normal that they are not happy but no one is happy. Overall, the focus has to be that we won and we’re in the semi-final.”
Chelsea will find out their last four opponents on Wednesday night, but are back in action on Saturday when they battle Newcastle United.
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.
