Maresca Optimistic About Chelsea's Champions League Chances

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca highlights the positives from the team's recent defeat, citing the team's bravery and spirit as key takeaways ahead of the Manchester United match.

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca expressed satisfaction with the team's current position ahead of their crucial match against Manchester United. With two games left in the Premier League season, Maresca noted that securing victories will guarantee Champions League qualification for the Blues, who are currently sitting in fifth place.

In a show of confidence in his players, Maresca highlighted his conversation with Nicolas Jackson, emphasizing that the striker understands his role and has been performing well. Maresca had previously praised Jackson's abilities, viewing him primarily as a striker but also recognizing his potential as a winger when needed. However, Jackson's current fitness is uncertain due to a hamstring injury sustained during the match against West Ham United, and Maresca will make a late decision on his availability.

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He said: “Absolutely. At the start of the season, if someone said we need to win the last two games to reach the Champions League, we would be happy. The first five or six months, we were second and third, so even better. We will try to finish well.

“Since day one, I said that the club told me that in two years we want to play Champions League. But when you are in the top four all season, it's natural that the target changes.

“What changed is that because we were there all season, the target automatically becomes top four/five. I think we have had a good season that will become a very good season if we can finish top five and win the Conference League.

Asked about facing a struggling United team, Maresca insisted: “I'm focused on us. It's already difficult to judge when you are inside, so imagine when you are not. We try to do our best here. It's something they have to look at.

“In my personal opinion, it's not if it's a good time to face them or not. It's just about us. I think the team is in a good moment. In the last 10 Premier League games, we have 20.

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Maresca on Jackson's Red Card

Chelsea manager Maresca addressed the recent setback at Newcastle United, where Nicolas Jackson was sent off in a top-four showdown. Maresca believes Jackson is intelligent enough to recognize the mistake he made.

Maresca's comments suggest he trusts Jackson to learn from the incident. The coach's response implies that Jackson's red card was an error in judgment rather than a reflection of his character or typical behavior.

“I think against Newcastle, it was our first red card of the season. We try to be intense and aggressive, I don't know, to be honest. It's a good question and one we need to analyse in the summer to see if we can do anything better.”

Discussing Jackson's situation, the manager continued: “For me, it's not about the age. No matter the age, you make a mistake, it is okay because we all make mistakes. 

“If you make the mistake again, then it is probably not the best. During the summer, we need to see and review things. 

“We need to see the yellow cards we can avoid next season. It's normal that after a red card, the light is on Nico, but overall it is something that is not about Newcastle or the first game of the season, it is something you need to avoid if you can avoid.”

Tactical Adjustments Needed

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca acknowledged that Nicolas Jackson's suspension has created a problem ahead of the Manchester United match. With Christopher Nkunku also out injured, Maresca noted that options are limited, saying, “We are working on that. Unfortunately, we don't have many options. Marc Guiu is still injured.”

“It depends on the game plan. Against a line of five, I prefer a real No.9 because we want to attack in behind. I like a false nine against four because we can link a bit more. We need to find a different solution.”

Maresca highlighted the positives from Chelsea's recent defeat, saying the team showed great spirit, togetherness, and effort in the second half. He added, “I think in the second half, we were even more brave. The team has always been brave, sometimes because of the other team, you can do that and sometimes not. The spirit, togetherness and the effort we showed in the second half were fantastic, and that is something, 100%, we need in the next two games.”