Chelsea's Maresca: We're Moving in the Right Direction

Chelsea coach Enzo Maresca defends his team's approach and expresses confidence in reaching the European semi-final.

Chelsea coach Enzo Maresca has launched a passionate defense of his team, emphasizing that they are moving in the right direction despite fan frustration. Following Sunday's draw with Ipswich Town, where Chelsea initially fell 2-0 behind, Maresca's side was jeered by impatient fans for sticking to their approach. However, Maresca expressed his unwavering confidence in the team's development, stating, “What happened last year, two years ago, I was not here, I don't have an idea - I'm not going to judge because it's difficult. But this season, we are (improving fast).”

🚨 Enzo Maresca:

"The only thing I can say is the fans with us have been always good. Sometimes they're not happy, but when you are 2-0 down to Ipswich and we are making some mistakes, it is normal they are not happy. We need to be good enough..."

(@BobbyVincentFL) #CFC

— Chelsea Dodgers (@TheBlueDodger) April 16, 2025

Maresca emphasized that he has “100%” belief in his team's approach, which he believes will yield long-term benefits. Despite slipping to sixth in the standings, Chelsea are chasing a Europa Conference League semi-final spot and hold a 3-0 lead ahead of their second leg against Legia Warsaw on Thursday. Maresca's defense of his players highlights his commitment to the team's progress and playing style.

The second leg of our #UECL quarter-final comes next. 😤 pic.twitter.com/PFqvadaATN

— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) April 16, 2025

Maresca expressed his confidence in Chelsea's direction, stating, “I think we can reach the European semi-final. Yes, for sure it's not the Champions League, but in the end it's a European competition.” He highlighted the team's progress, noting that they have been in the top four for most of the season, a significant improvement from the previous two seasons. “We have been top four almost all season. Compared to the last two seasons, where the team has been zero times (in the) top four. I think it's quite clear that the direction is the right one, the style is the right one.”

🚨 Enzo Maresca:

"If fans complain because after four minutes, our keeper gives the ball away, if I am one of the fans, I also complain. But sometimes they complain with something they can probably not see but it is the plan..."

(@BobbyVincentFL) #CFC

— Chelsea Dodgers (@TheBlueDodger) April 16, 2025

Maresca said he doesn't hear the abuse from the crowd, but emphasized that fan support is crucial to the team's progress. “I think football belongs to the fans because they are the main part. And as a team, as a club, when your fans support you, it's important because the players can receive that feeling,” he said. Maresca believes that when the team plays well and scores goals, the mood changes, and the fans become more engaged. “So when I say we need to engage them, it's that we need to play in the right way, create chances, try to score goals. Because at the end, if you score goals also the mood changes for everyone.”

Maresca acknowledged that the fans have been fantastic in most home games, but also understood their frustration in certain moments, like the recent match. “Most of the games at home, the fans have been top - fantastic support for the team. In some games, in some moments, like the last one, they were not happy. So we have to be good enough to engage them again.”