Enzo Maresca will have been the happiest man in South Wales to see his Chelsea side book their place in the Carabao Cup semi-finals.
The Blues came through as 3-1 winners, with it the substitutes Maresca brought on making the real impact to get them over the line against League One side Cardiff City.
Alejandro Garnacho’s brace and Pedro Neto’s deflected strike got Chelsea over the line, surviving a scare after being pegged back to 1-1.
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After the game, Chelsea fans showed their support to Maresca by passionately chanting his name, clarifying where they stand on the boss after the recent saga involving him and the hierarchy at the club.
Cardiff City v Chelsea - Carabao Cup Quarter Final
Photo by Dan Istitene/Getty Images
Enzo Maresca very happy after Chelsea fans chant his name after Cardiff win
Results going Chelsea’s way should keep some of that chat quiet, but it was clear that the boss appreciated the gesture of support from the fanbase.
Journalist Kieran Gill stated that Maresca responded to chants of his name by blowing kisses to the away end.
He said: “Amid all the noise of the last four days, Maresca has certainly tried to show his appreciation for Chelsea’s fans throughout it. In his words but also his actions. Was blowing kisses towards the Chelsea away end and patting his heart after full-time.”
Chelsea celebrate goal against Cardiff in Carabao Cup
Photo by Dan Istitene/Getty Images
Enzo Maresca saga explained
Maresca made the headlines after Chelsea’s win against Everton when he went on a rant about seemingly the lack of backing he had received from the top amid their poor run of form.
Maresca’s feeling the love!
Where do you stand on the Enzo Maresca saga?
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The boss then decided not to squash rumours by refusing to add to his comments before the Cardiff game, however reports of unrest from both sides were quick to surface.
It was stated that some chiefs were becoming fed up of Maresca, particularly for some of his decisions surrounding squad selection.
There was perhaps a look at how Chelsea’s depth is not strong enough to compete at the top against Cardiff, and how he required some of his heavy hitters to get the job done in the end.
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