Enzo Maresca wants his senior Chelsea players to ‘take responsibility’ in our final two Premier League fixtures and secure the Champions League place he believes they deserve next season.
Should the Blues win against Manchester United tonight and Nottingham Forest next Sunday, only a dramatic swing on goal difference would deny us a place in the top five. That would mean Champions League football for the 2025/26 campaign, and an opportunity for our players to show what they can do on the biggest stage.
One of those is Cole Palmer. Seven of his eight appearances in the competition so far have been off the bench, and in total, he has played just over 180 minutes. Maresca knows Palmer will be determined to have a big say in the season finale to help our Champions League chances, even if his statistics do not always reflect that output.
‘Probably you judge an important player if they are able to score or assist, but for instance against Liverpool, sure he scored a last-minute penalty, but his performance was top in all aspects: sacrifice, desire, helping teammates,’ said Maresca.
‘We are happy with that kind of performance from Cole. If he is able to score and assist, we are even happier. Cole’s desire is to be an important player in these last three games.
‘But Cole is not the only one who deserves Champions League,’ continued Maresca.
‘Moi [Caicedo] is also a player who deserves Champions League, and Enzo Fernandez and Levi Colwill. This is the reason why we have been there and we are going to try to finish there, because we have many players in terms of status who deserve to play Champions League.’
Maresca now wants to see the Blues rise to the challenge at this decisive moment of the season.
‘All the players need to step up. We have different players who can take responsibility in these games. It’s not just about Cole; I don’t agree with relying on Cole for everything.
‘We have more players who have improved this season in terms of leadership and as a player. We mentioned before Caicedo, Fernandez, Colwill. Reece James is our captain. All of them need to step up.
‘Tactics are important, but there are some games, like the three we have, where other aspects are also important: players taking responsibility and showing desire to bring this club where it has to be.'