Enzo Maresca has urged Chelsea fans to get behind the team in Sunday’s home match against Leicester.
Many fans have been unhappy with the direction of the club – and somestaged protests against the owners prior to the recent game against Southampton.
There was also tension inside the stadium during the early stages of that game, with many of the Stamford Bridge crowd venting their frustration before Chelsea eventually took control in what turned out to be a comfortable win.
The Blues, who are fifth in the Premier League table, took a big step towards the Uefa Conference League quarter-finals witha first-leg win away to Copenhagen on Thursday.
But the priority for head coach Maresca remains the league – and a win this weekend would be a big boost in Chelsea’s battle to secure a Champions League spot.
“The main game for us is Sunday’s game at home and we need our fans for 100 minutes behind the team and pushing the team,” Maresca said.
“If we can win against Leicester on Sunday, we can do one more step to finishing in the Champions League.”
Meanwhile, Maresca says he sees Reece James’ long-term position being in midfield,where he played in Copenhagen.
And Malo Gusto, who went off injured during the first half,could still be available for the Leicester game.