Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca says he welcomes the pressure that comes with chasing a Champions League spot, as his side enters the final stretch of the Premier League season. With just two games left, the Blues sit fifth in the table, a position that could be enough for Champions League qualification but are only ahead of Aston Villa on goal difference and hold a narrow one-point lead over Nottingham Forest, whom they face on the final day.
Chelsea’s season under Maresca began on a high note, with a strong push toward the top five. However, a poor run between December and April, with only five wins in 16 matches, put their European ambitions at risk.
Despite the dip in form, the Italian coach has led Chelsea to the final of the Europa Conference League, where they will face Spanish side Real Betis on May 28.
Speaking ahead of Chelsea’s home clash against Manchester United on Friday, Maresca stressed the importance of meeting the club’s expectations. “The pressure is on all of us the players, the staff, and the club,” he said. “From day one, we’ve said our duty is to return this club to where it belongs which is the Champions League.”
He added, “If someone had told us at the start of the season that we’d need to win the last two games to qualify, we would have gladly accepted that. We’ve had good spells, like being second or third early in the season. Now we’re still in the mix, and we aim to finish strong.”
Chelsea’s hopes of a strong finish, however, took a hit with Nicolas Jackson suspended after receiving a red card in last weekend’s 2-0 loss to Newcastle. With Christopher Nkunku still sidelined by injury and Marc Guiu not yet match-fit, Maresca is short on central attacking options.
The coach played down the possibility of using wingers like Pedro Neto or Tyrique George in a central striker role, especially against United manager Ruben Amorim’s expected 3-4-3 formation.
“Against a back five, you need a true number nine to run in behind and pose a real threat,” Maresca explained. “We don’t have that option right now, so we’ll need to find another way. I prefer using a false nine against a back four for better link-up play, but we’ll adapt.”
Despite recent challenges, reports indicate Maresca’s position is secure, regardless of whether Chelsea secures Champions League qualification.
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