ENZO MARESCA is safe as Chelsea boss - for now.
The club’s Italian head coach retains the confidence of the club’s board despite a worrying downturn in form.
Sunday’s dismal 2-2 draw against struggling Ipswich leaves them sixth in the Premier League and out of the Champions League reckoning for next season.
Chelsea’s entire gameplan revolves around returning to the money-spinning European competition as quickly as possible.
Maresca’s team was booed off at half time and needed an own goal and one from on-loan Jadon Sancho to grab a point against relegation-bound Town.
But Maresca’s dedication to his job and unflinching commitment to the cause mean the Stamford Bridge top brass remain convinced he is still the right man for the job.
He has been in charge for less than a season since leaving Leicester City having won last season’s Championship title.
Maresca, 45, is the fourth permanent manager to serve under Chelsea’s ownership since they took over less than three years ago.
Yet there is no desire for another change of coach even though results have taken a tumble.
A Blues insider told SunSport: “Everyone at the club is totally on board and committed to getting us back in the Champions League.
“Enzo, the board and the sporting directors are wedded to that ideal.
“If it doesn’t happen this season there will be questions asked naturally. But as it stands Enzo is still seen as the man to take Chelsea forwards.”
Chelsea have drawn their last two Premier League games dropping four points.
They sit a point outside the top five which would qualify them for the Champions League after a two season absence.
There are only six games left in which to make up lost ground although they do play direct rivals Newcastle and Nottingham Forest during the run-in.
It’s a tough challenge and winger Sancho has called for unity in the closing weeks of a topsy turvy campaign, even though Chelsea face a tough trip to neighbours Fulham on Sunday.
Sancho said: “We really want that Champions League spot.
“It’s not over, we’ve still got six games to go. From now on every game is going to have to be a final, so we’re going to need everyone at 100 per cent.
“We have tough games ahead but if we stick together I’m sure we can get what we need from them.”
Maresca complained that the ‘environment’ at Stamford Bridge is not helping his players in their quest to get back among Europe’s elite clubs.
Chelsea’s demanding fans are restless and are not happy that even though the team is up against it domestically they are flying in the UEFA Conference League this season.
Maresca said: “We are stronger with our fans. We are a better team and it’s up to them to decide the way to be.”
Pehcdlmnrt
0
is poch for that marasca continued with in d early half of d season
datacdnors
0
very useless coach 😞
mupmprsuyz
1
he needs to go back and graduate under pep, because I think learned it's well
Lotadiklno
1
Maresca is as stupid as they come ,send him back to the pit of stupidity!!
Febbemrstz
2
small club mentality that's what Maresca have at his disposal
Hebadkou
0
Enzo Maresca is isn't suitable for Chelsea
hkck
2
Enzo Maresca is very lucky because the club is in the hands of his fellow idiots 😡
hkck
0
useless Coach of the decade 😔
sheffayo
6
Amorim might not get it right at Man United for now, but he's far better than Maresca, which claimed to have worked with Pep Guardiola. Maresca is a small team coach
wilbard10
0
💙💙💙
howbdimnty
0
I don't fancy Coaches who play players out of their natural wings like ENZO MARESCA & present Nigeria SUPER EAGLE's Coach. You can't be playing player out of their natural strength (position) and you expect them to deliver. It's like taking MARESCA too to Coach a Beach-Soccer team....it doesn't make sense in getting the best out of the players. ENZO MARESCA behaves like a kid in some of his selections and decision making process. MARESCA & TODD BOEHLY change and don't cause us missing out of UCL again after missing out since TODD BOEHLY formerly took change
Very true they are distroying our Team Nyoko hawa
Puaainrt
2
It's shameful to say that Maresca learnt from Guardiola
Naokmptuz
4
I don't fancy Coaches who play players out of their natural wings like ENZO MARESCA & present Nigeria SUPER EAGLE's Coach. You can't be playing player out of their natural strength (position) and you expect them to deliver. It's like taking MARESCA too to Coach a Beach-Soccer team....it doesn't make sense in getting the best out of the players. ENZO MARESCA behaves like a kid in some of his selections and decision making process. MARESCA & TODD BOEHLY change and don't cause us missing out of UCL again after missing out since TODD BOEHLY formerly took change
miaabdkopu
0
You are right brother he is inexperienced that’s his problem I hope he will learn fast from his master pep
KoonChristian
1
I hate this guy so much; get him out now, or I kill my 🐕!
KoonChristian
1
I hate this guy so much; Get him out now, or I kill my 🐕!
Gbengababs
1
Maresca is a kid just as his players
onyitex112
1
hope your coach won't bench James this remaining match again and stop gambling,playing players out of position