Enzo Maresca: Chelsea Faces Unfair Expectations After Win

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca believes his team faces unfair expectations after a 1-0 win over Manchester United. Get the latest Premier League news and updates.

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca believes his team is facing unfair expectations after their narrow 1-0 win over Manchester United. Marc Cucurella's header 20 minutes from time secured the victory, propelling Chelsea into the Premier League's top four and setting them up for a potential Champions League qualification.

Maresca attributes the high expectations to misconceptions about Chelsea's current state. “For me, the problem is that in general, people still think Chelsea is the same Chelsea as years ago. It's not the same,” he said, highlighting the team's shift towards nurturing young talent and academy players. With over £1 billion spent on new signings in three years, Maresca emphasizes the need for patience, given the team's transformation.

Chelsea's current position offers promising prospects, including a potential top-five finish guaranteeing Champions League return after a two-year absence. They also have a chance to end the season with a trophy if they defeat Real Betis in the Europa Conference League. Maresca's focus is on steady progress, acknowledging the gap between Chelsea and top teams like Manchester City and Arsenal, who have enjoyed long-term stability under their managers.

Chelsea's final match against Nottingham Forest on May 25 will be crucial, as a win guarantees a top-five finish and a return to the Champions League after a two-year absence. Additionally, the Blues have another chance to end the season on a high note by defeating Real Betis in the UEFA Conference League.

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— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) May 17, 2025

The team has undergone significant investment, with over £1 billion spent on new signings in the past three years under new American ownership. This substantial investment has set high expectations for the team, but Chelsea's manager Enzo Maresca believes patience is needed as the team continues to evolve and build.

The majority of Chelsea's £1 billion investment has been focused on promising young talent. Manager Enzo Maresca believes this warrants more patience from fans and critics. “For me, the problem is that in general, people, you the press, you still think that Chelsea is the same Chelsea as years ago. It's not the same,” Maresca said, highlighting the team's evolution.

“Tonight (Nicolas) Jackson was suspended, we played with Tyrique (George) and six players from the academy (in the squad).

“Years ago, if (Didier) Drogba was out, Diego Costa was playing or Fernando Torres. This is a completely different Chelsea.

“I can understand that people struggle to see that. But we are in the right direction, hopefully we can bring the club where the club deserves to be.”