Despite sitting just six points off the top of the Premier League, there are still some not totally convinced about Enzo Maresca as Chelsea manager.
Maresca has the Blues currently sitting in third, and has done the majority of the campaign without star man Cole Palmer available for action.
However, all three of Chelsea’s defeats this season have seen criticism fired the manager’s way. Chelsea fans shared their discontent at Maresca after a home defeat to Brighton.
Despite some sections of the Stamford Bridge faithful not being convinced, the hierarchy at the club are completely convinced that they are going in the right direction with the current manager in charge.
Enzo Maresca in the dugout for Chelsea
Photo by Francesco Scaccianoce – UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images
In fact, Matt Law has stated that he was told that the goal for Chelsea this season was to qualify for the Champions League again, as well as compete in the competition this season.
He said: “Don’t get me wrong, they’d love to win it (the Carabao Cup), but it’s not going to impact the manager’s future.
“So, at the start of the season, I was pretty much told that the sort of loose start of season target would be they need to qualify for the Champions League again, and they want a run in the Champions League and they want to compete in it.
“So obviously, going out in the group league phase would be very bad, or not qualifying for the top eight, and then going out in that sort of playoff round, I think would also be probably judged a failure.”
Chelsea’s chances in the Champions League
The Blues had originally recovered well from opening day defeat to Bayern Munich, however were held to a 2-2 draw by Qarabag in their most recent outing.
The aim will be to finish in the top eight and not have to feature in the play-offs, however they will need a strong finish to a tough group stage to complete this.
Chelsea still have to face Barcelona, Napoli and Atalanta in their final four games, however could be about to welcome a key player back just in time for that run.
Palmer wants to play against Barcelona, however Chelsea are keen to be careful with him in order to see his injury issues left behind him.