Enzo Maresca slammed his critics after Chelsea’s 1-0 victory over Nottingham Forest, ending the season in fourth. The manager has clinched Champions League qualification on the Premier League season’s final day. The triumph is an impressive start for Maresca’s first year at the helm at Stamford Bridge.
Levi Colwill’s breakthrough goal in the second half guaranteed Chelsea’s return to Europe’s top competition for the first time in two years. It was a crucible tie, and both clubs had been fighting for a spot in the Champions League. The Blues had their wish, while Forest have to make do with a UEFA Conference League spot.
After the game, Maresca was not shy to lash out at those who had questioned his young team’s ability. It soon turned into an X-rated rant, as he told them to “F off”:
“I didn’t have any doubt about the players. The doubt was from outside. All the ones that have the answers or the ones that have the truth, they were saying that we are too young, we are not good enough, they were waiting for Aston Villa to drop points for us to achieve the Champions League.
“They were saying that we were not able to win on this pitch because we are too young, because we are not experienced. Unfortunately for them, they have all been wrong. All the ones that have the truth and have the answer to everything. So in English, how you say? F off to all of them, because the players deserve that. The effort they have been doing is fantastic.”
Chelsea Prepare to Play Conference League Final After Champions League Qualification
Chelsea are now preparing to take on Real Betis in the UEFA Conference League final. They have just qualified for the Champions League with a 1-0 win over Nottingham Forest. Now, their minds will need to turn towards May 28 at Wrocław Stadium, Poland.
Manager Enzo Maresca would prefer to cap his inaugural season with a trophy. If he can mastermind a win over Real Betis, Chelsea will be the first club in history to possess all four major UEFA titles.