Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca hits back at critics after securing Champions League spot
Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has a strong message for all the doubters who questioned the youthfulness of his team. After a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Nottingham Forest, which sealed their return to the Champions League, Maresca had some choice words for those who underestimated his squad. Maresca, in his first season at Stamford Bridge, guided Chelsea to a fourth-placed finish with Levi Colwill’s lone goal making all the difference on the final day of the Premier League season.
The Italian manager didn’t hold back in his post-match press conference, expressing his frustration with those who doubted his team’s abilities. He made it clear that he had full confidence in his young squad from the beginning, despite the skepticism from outsiders. Maresca was quick to dismiss the naysayers, saying, “So in English, how you say? F off to all of them, because the players deserve that. The effort they have been doing is fantastic.” Chelsea, who won the Champions League in 2020-21, will be making their comeback to the competition after a three-year absence. Additionally, they have a chance to add more silverware to their collection as they prepare to face Real Betis in the Conference League final.
Looking ahead, Chelsea’s fourth-placed finish marks a significant achievement under the ownership of Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital. Despite heavy investments in the transfer market, Maresca emphasized that the team’s success was not solely based on financial resources. He stated, “since I joined the club, we haven’t spent more than the rest,” highlighting the hard work and dedication of the players on the pitch. Following the Conference League final, Chelsea will kick off their FIFA Club World Cup campaign in June, facing the winner of a play-off between Los Angeles FC and Club America, after Club Leon’s withdrawal from the tournament.
