Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca insists he remains fully supported by the club’s owners, even as pressure mounts from fans following recent poor performances. After Thursday night’s 2-1 home loss to Legia Warsaw in the Conference League quarter-final second leg, the atmosphere at Stamford Bridge turned tense. Despite progressing to the semi-finals on aggregate, the defeat was met with loud boos from the crowd, highlighting growing unrest.
Chelsea had won the first leg 3-0 in Poland, but the return fixture painted a different picture. Many supporters were frustrated not just with the performance, but with a broader trend. The team has slipped to sixth in the Premier League table after managing only five wins in their last sixteen matches.
Maresca, however, remains calm and believes the team is on the right track. When questioned about whether he still felt the support of the Chelsea hierarchy, who have dismissed three managers since taking charge of the club, he responded with certainty. He stressed that the team has spent the majority of the season in Champions League contention and is still competing in European football. He questioned the need for change, pointing to progress and setbacks as part of growth, not failure.
Reflecting on the Legia match, Maresca admitted that Chelsea’s approach might have been too relaxed after the comfortable first-leg win. Captain Reece James described the team’s effort as “disrespectful” toward the competition, a sentiment Maresca acknowledged might be valid. He appreciated James’ honesty and suggested it offered insight into the mood inside the dressing room.
Interestingly, Maresca has previously been critical of James’ leadership qualities. Earlier in the season, the manager had called for more responsibility from the England international. Now, he believes the full-back is stepping up. He praised James for his recent efforts, saying he is becoming a role model for the squad. Maresca emphasized the importance of developing leaders within the team, especially in challenging periods, and noted that a few players, including James, are making a noticeable effort to support their teammates.
Despite fan discontent and the shadow of past managerial sackings, Maresca remains focused on building for the future. He sees the current adversity as a chance to toughen the squad and prepare them for the challenges ahead.
