Enzo Maresca has sent a pointed message to Chelsea supporters online after he was at the centre of crowd frustration during Sunday's 1-0 win against Leicester City. Despite claiming an important victory in the race for Champions League qualification, discontent grew at Stamford Bridge.
Marc Cucurella's goal was enough to earn the three points for Chelsea but that came after angst from the stands had been vocalised throughout. At one stage before half-time, a supporter close to Maresca stood up and shouted directly towards the head coach.
"What's the matter with you?" they said. Maresca then celebrated the team's goal with a glare at the same area which the shout had come from.
After the game, when asked about Stamford Bridge being quiet and groaning at backwards passes, specifically with Enzo Fernandez on this occasion, Maresca suggested that supporters need to be more considered. "The people have to understand this is our way, our style and this is the way we are going to play," he told reporters.
"When a team creates the amount of chances we created today, you have to be happy. It's not easy." Maresca added that "the good thing is that Fernandez knows that if he doesn't play back, I will change him. If the 'keeper plays long, I will change him. This is what we have."
He was further pressed on the home fans, saying that the atmosphere is 'different' to others he has experienced. "I completely understand when there is some negative feeling but today, how many chances did we create first half?" he questioned. "The second half, exactly the same. The players were giving everything. It's normal because they don't see behind [the scenes]."
Online, the reaction to Maresca's words has continued to cause a divide. Now taking the time to write on Instagram on Monday, Maresca posted an image of his arrival at SW6, captioning it: "All together we are stronger. THANK YOU [blue circle emoji]."
Chelsea are at home again later this week as they take on FC Copenhagen in the Conference League last-16 second-leg. Maresca takes his side into the match with a 2-1 advantage but knows that results alone are not appeasing fans who have started to complain more and more about the slow style of football on offer.
Chelsea are currently fourth in the Premier League, two points above Manchester City in fifth place as they look to secure a place back among Europe's elite next season. They are also only two behind Nottingham Forest in third and could cut the gap to Arsenal to three points with a win at the Emirates Stadium in six days.
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Cole Palmer of Chelsea celebrates scoring his team's second goal from the penalty spot with team mate Jadon Sancho during the Premier League match between Chelsea FC and Brighton & Hove Albion FC at Stamford Bridge on September 28, 2024
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