Enzo Maresca has admitted he was delighted to hear the Chelsea fans back him after the win against Cardiff City on Tuesday night.
The Blues advanced to the semi finals of the Carabao Cup with a 3-1 win against the League One outfit, but were made to work harder than they would have wanted to.
Alejandro Garnacho scored a second half brace, whilst Pedro Neto scored another goal as his good start to the season continued.
Enzo Maresca on the Chelsea supporters
A lot of the build up to the game had been about Maresca’s comments after the Everton game, and it’s believed he felt a lack of support after the defeat to Atalanta.
It’s been reported Maresca has an internal problem at Chelsea, but when pressed further on his comments on Monday he didn’t move to expand or clarify them.
Enzo Maresca looks concerned on the touchline.
Maresca has got the backing of the Chelsea fans. (Photo by Dan Istitene/Getty Images)
Maresca confirmed after the game he’s not spoken with the sporting directors, but the fans made it very clear they were behind manager.
The supporters sang Maresca’s name as he came over at full time, a moment the Chelsea boss admitted made him feel great.
“It was a great moment, I appreciate it, I’m always thankful,” he told his post match press conference.
“I said many times in many press conferences, the support has always been there, knowing that any supporters in the world, when you don’t win, they are not happy.
“So in some moments that we didn’t win games, they have been not happy, but it’s normal. But overall, the fans have always been there.”
Estevao injured and will miss Newcastle game
In other not so good news, Maresca confirmed Estevao was absent from the squad with a muscle injury, and will also miss Saturday’s game against Newcastle.
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A generic group shot of Chelsea appeals with Andrey Santos.
Pedro Neto celebrates against Cardiff.
Enzo Maresca looks concerned on the touchline.
The Brazilian would likely have played against Cardiff, and it was a shame to see him miss out given the positive impact he’s made so far.
However, it appears Estevao will next be in action for the Blues after Christmas against Aston Villa on 27th December.