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Enzo Maresca has insisted that his first season at Chelsea cannot be deemed a failure, despite criticism of his cautious tactics in the race for Champions League qualification.
Maresca’s side are currently in sixth place, at risk of missing out on a top-five finish in the Premier League with just five matches remaining. Chelsea have secured only six wins in their last 17 league games ahead of Saturday’s clash with Everton at Stamford Bridge.
The Blues are two points behind fifth-placed Newcastle, having come from behind to defeat Fulham 2-1 with two late goals.
Maresca’s subdued reaction to the West London derby victory—leaving the pitch immediately after the final whistle—was seen as a response to mounting criticism from discontented supporters.
The former Leicester manager’s conservative approach has frustrated fans, with some booing Maresca and his players several times this season.
Despite this, the 43-year-old remains adamant that he deserves respect for his work at Chelsea, who finished sixth under his predecessor, Mauricio Pochettino, last season.
“Compared to the last two years, this season is not a failure,” Maresca told reporters on Friday.
“How many times in the last two years have Chelsea been in the Champions League places? This season, we’ve been there almost all year. Is that not an improvement? It’s already an improvement.”
Although Chelsea’s co-owner, Todd Boehly, and Clearlake Capital have invested over £1 billion ($1.3 billion) in new signings since acquiring the club in 2022, the Blues have yet to win a trophy in the post-Roman Abramovich era.
However, Maresca pointed to the fact that Chelsea were in second place and just two points behind champions-elect Liverpool in December, accusing critics of not acknowledging the progress Chelsea have made.
On his strained relationship with Chelsea fans, Maresca added, “I understand. The fans are the same as when they were singing that Chelsea is back and showing that they were happy.”
“Now, because we are not winning as many games as we did at the beginning, they are showing their dissatisfaction.”
