Chelsea owners ‘happy’ with Enzo Maresca even if they miss Champions League

ENZO MARESCA has the backing of the Chelsea board - despite an alarming post-Christmas slump.

The Blues put in a miserable display on Friday night as they were beaten 3-0 by Brighton.

Chelsea failed to muster a single shot on target as they slumped to a third loss in four games.

Maresca's side looked to be embroiled in an unlikely title race just two months ago.

But a severe slide since the turn of the year has seen them take just 12 points from a possible 30.

And they continue to show a persistent form of travel sickness, with no away win since December 8.

A frustrated Maresca called the Brighton debacle the "worst performance" since he arrived in the summer.

He added: "This is the worst moment since I arrived but we are still there and we need to finish in the best way."

According to The Athletic, Chelsea's board are still "happy" with how Maresca has performed this season.

It comes despite some discontent among the fanbase, with the away end at Brighton noticeably emptying before the final whistle on Friday.

The report adds that Maresca was not expected to achieve Champions League football in his first season.

Chelsea slipped back to sixth after results over the weekend and face an uphill task to finish in the top four.

Maresca's job is not said to be under threat, despite chants of "We want our Chelsea back" heard from travelling faithful at the Amex.

The Italian also called on his team to summon the team spirit they showed in abundance earlier this season.

He continued: “We need all of them, in this moment, to be more positive.

"Because this is a moment where we need to stick together and try to finish in the best way."

Maresca has had to operate with a depleted squad, as Nicolas Jackson and Marc Guiu recently joined a crowded injury room.

The Blues face a tough trip to Aston Villa this weekend.

Maresca added: "We are in a moment when we feel we can concede easily and struggle to score.

"There are many things we can do better. Now is the moment we need to stick together."