Maresca Insists Champions League Qualification Has Always Been Chelsea’s Target
Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has clarified that securing Champions League qualification has always been an internal target, despite his earlier public statements suggesting it was a two-year goal. He revealed that he gathered the entire club staff in a meeting last month to reinforce this ambition, urging everyone to push towards a top-four finish.
Original Source
The Times
Written by
Steve Worrell
22 Feb
7:00
Analysis
The1905.Club Summary
Despite Chelsea’s recent dip in form, Maresca maintains that finishing in the top four remains a realistic and necessary goal for the club. His earlier comments downplaying expectations were an attempt to manage pressure, but internally, Chelsea have always aimed for Champions League football.
Getty
With injuries affecting key players and the club’s league position slipping, Maresca now faces greater scrutiny as he looks to steer Chelsea back into contention. His recent public backing from Chelsea director Jonathan Goldstein provides some security, but with a now-defined target, pressure will intensify if results do not improve.
Rex
Key Points
Maresca revealed he gathered Chelsea staff in January to reinforce the goal of securing Champions League football.
He initially downplayed expectations publicly, but internally, the club has always seen qualification as achievable.
The Premier League’s strong UEFA coefficient could allow five English teams into the Champions League, boosting Chelsea’s chances.
Poor recent form (two wins in nine matches) has led to increased pressure, with Chelsea slipping to sixth in the league.
Maresca insists he has never lacked ambition, despite criticism from fans for previous comments.
Chelsea hierarchy remains supportive, with director Jonathan Goldstein confirming Maresca will stay for the rest of the season.
With Chelsea’s next fixtures against Aston Villa, Southampton, Leicester, and Arsenal, Maresca must now deliver results to ensure Chelsea stay in the fight for a top-four finish.
Steve, Co-founder of The 1905 Club, created the platform to provide honest, clickbait-free Chelsea FC content. He worked at Stamford Bridge from 2013 to 2016 with a Champions League sponsor. His first Chelsea match was a 1-0 win at Leeds in 2000, and his favourite was the epic 2012 Champions League game against Napoli.
