Todd Boehly Enzo Maresca, Chelsea
(Credit: Hasan Karim - Breaking Media / Getty Images)
Ben Palmer
Thu 8 May 2025 18:59, UK
Enzo Maresca’s future at Chelsea should soon be decided on the basis of his track record after falling out with fans, according to Glen Johnson.
The West London club’s former right-back told Football Insider exclusively that this had been the club’s “best season for a while” and the Italian will likely stay in place as a result.
Following the Blues’ 2-2 draw with Ipswich on 13 April, Maresca made the ill-advised decision of criticising the “environment” created by the home fans.
Those comments were criticised by former Aston Villa striker Gabby Agbonlahor, who felt the Italian manager was “dangerously close” to losing his job as a consequence.
Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca
Enzo Maresca has been under pressure at Chelsea. Credit: Hasan Karim, Breaking Media
Chelsea enjoying resurgence under Enzo Maresca
However, following a frosty reception in the following game, a 2-1 loss to Legia Warsaw, Chelsea have bounced back and are on a four-match win streak.
This has included a come-from-behind win over local rivals Fulham and a victory over the recently crowned Premier League champions Liverpool.
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Chelsea find themselves just a game away from the Conference League final, having beaten Djurgarden 4-1 in the first leg of their semi-final.
What’s more, the Blues are in a strong position to qualify for the Champions League, having failed to do so in the previous two season.
Cole Palmer, Chelsea
Chelsea look on track to qualify for Champions League football. (Credit: Imago)
Chelsea just a few weeks away from ‘fantastic’ season
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, via TG Casino, Johnson highlighted that whilst Chelsea have been “hot and cold”, winning the Conference League and qualifying for the Champions League would be an “amazing season”: “The thing is, it’s been their best season for a while, and they’re a couple of weeks away from having a fantastic season.
“If they win the Conference [League] and finish in the top four, it’s an amazing season.
“And they’ve done that when they’ve been hot and cold. They have had some terrible performances, but they still are where they are.
“So, they could have been even closer, so I don’t think it’s a bad season at all. They might not like his style of playing, but if they win that and get in the top four, they would have bit your hand off for that at the start of the season.”
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