**Enzo Maresca says he has not discussed with the Chelsea hierarchy how qualifying – or not – for the Champions League might affect his future.**
There has been speculation over whether Maresca will keep his job as head coach.
Securing a Champions League spot would seemingly increase the chances of him being retained.
However, asked about the issue at a news conference on the eve of Chelsea’s vital home match against Manchester United, Maresca said: “We didn’t speak about that, to be honest.
“We didn’t talk about if we are in the Champions League or not in the Champions League.”
Winning their final two domestic matches of the season would guarantee a top-five finish for Maresca’s side, who will end their Premier League campaign away to Nottingham Forest on 25 May.
They will then face Real Betis in the final of the Uefa Conference League three days later.
“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,” said Maresca.
“Since day one, I said that the club told me in that two years we want to play Champions League. But when you are in the top four or five all season, it’s natural the target changes.
“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.”
Maresca confirmed that Christopher Nkunku will remain sidelined for the United game.
It leaves Chelsea short of attacking options as Nicolas Jackson is suspended after being sent off in the defeat at Newcastle at the weekend.