Chelsea's hopes of a Champions League spot were dealt a blow as they were held to a 2-2 draw by soon-to-be-relegated Ipswich Town, but did come from two behind to claim a point
Enzo Maresca pleaded for more backing from the boo boys as Chelsea slipped up in the race for the Champions League. The Blues fought back from 2-0 down to Ipswich to snatch a draw but not before the home fans had made their feelings known.
Maresca said: “It’s tough. We lost a bit of confidence, because of the environment. We have to be strong and stick to the plan. We are stronger with our fans. We are a better team. It’s up to them to decide the way. With 0-2 it’s normal to be the way they were.
“I didn’t say the environment is an issue. Our fans have been with us, home and away. In a difficult moment you can expect they are not happy. But those are the moments when the players need more support.”
Maresca said there are “six or seven” teams still in the hunt for a Champions League spot. And he expects ALL of them to drop points before the season is over.
He said: “At the end of the season, we will see. I think we are going to win games and drop points. The other clubs will too. When they scored their first goal we lost some confidence. We need to stick to the plan. My message at half time was that we need to react. We cannot continue the way we are. Then we were much more dynamic.”
The result, though admirable under the circumstances, did not greatly improve Ipswich’s dim hopes of staying up. In fact the gap to safety now stands at 14 points after Wolves beat Tottenham. It means relegation could be confirmed as early as next Sunday when Arsenal visit Portman Road.
Despite their top-flight adventure looking set to come to an end after one season, the travelling fans lent a raucous support to their team and applauded them off at the end.
“The reaction (from the fans) was deserved,” said manager Kieran McKenna. “I think the players and supporters did themselves proud. The second half I thought we played better than in the first half. We were disappointed to concede right from kick-off (in the second half). That was a setback, but I thought the response was very good. It was a brilliant moment from Sancho to make it 2-2.
“I think Chelsea had the better chances over the game, but for the amount we created, for an away team I think we deserved something.
“I think we can take great pride in it. The journey our players have been on is huge so I’m proud that they could come here and compete.”
zaucklnpuy
0
An average coach who's peak is exposing him as not good enough. 80% possession don't win matches. You need to come up with strategies to score goals. RMD, BARCA, ARSENAL N MAN CITY are playing champions league and they have definite teams. Chelsea keeps rotating players with NO blending since the coach took over. establish a first team and a winning team. 5-8 players rotations is not healthy for our team. Liverpool are playing champions league, they don't totate players to the detriment of their team. Enzo is average coach . He has to go or be told to improve.
sondiksu
0
Foolish coach! Do you expect the supporters to score goals for you?
Zehdnrsuyz
3
maresca is a clown and I can't really blame the poor guy. I blamed the idiots who employed him. maresca is not a winner and he can't take us anywhere
fotadikyz
0
your nativity didn't come on time, with the money spent you can't prove your tactical prowess on the players, it's a sick show and nosediving performances
hkck
1
The idiot is very lucky because the club is in the hands of useless Owners just like him
damipaul23
0
Hi
Send me your WhatsApp number
damipaul23
0
Good. Yourself?
Ok
KoonChristian
0
You're nothing, but a 🐕, foolish coach. I hate you.
bueaeilnsu
0
this championship coach Enzo maresca can't be our coach next season again. he need to be sack
nabaknpuyz
1
Maresca, yesterday I was very angry with you and your inconsistent squad, you have done nothing but neglegent, stupidness , madness, and unprofessionalism. Look at you and your players the way you play soccer isn't convinced me that you're going finish Champions League spot next year. Ipswich defeated Chelsea home and away, because that draw is a defeat as relegation team Chelsea is a big team they should not allow that first leg zero points second leg one point that's why I counted that draw as win for Ipswich, thank you Ipswich for your wonderful effort. I'm Chelsea diehard but I don't like the way they play soccer. Change your style of football if not you won't achieve nothing but humiliation and sadness.
Cultabz
0
The problem is Maresca’s approach to games. His team selection speaks a lot about the attitude with which he approaches each. He doesn’t respect some of the teams he plays against and doesn’t build that winning mentality in his players
I agree. it's not coincidence that he hasn't beaten any of the top teams he is battling against,sans Newcastle
Cultabz
3
dude literally had 3 RBs on the bench. boldness,or stupidity wrapped in gold?🤔
Kezadlmotz
0
complacency z one of d problem affecting d team
Tuyabdepst
1
you want lively environments for matches only to ripped their their hearts apart and turned their joys into sorrow with your championship mentality right? you even get proud to talk about good or bad atmosphere, we really see bad luck in this new owners and their managers hand o
Yuuairtz
4
Enzo maresca stop changing squad every match you are changing,I know you are trying everything and everyone to play but you must have firstly 11 lineup
Jumachelsea
0
every time I say him speaking in the press he just makes me sick f***
kidaknprsz
0
i will stop spotting Chelsea bcz off this stupid coach
nice fake fans
wukblmn
1
Chelseafc doesn't deserve to be in d top five,based on performance cos of a stupid coach and bastard/oloriburuku board. May they continue suffering massive losses till they sell d team.
wukblmn
1
He de fix match 4 his boss,Italian tricks
Vibbdlnrsu
0
Chelsea and uganda share same problems
Vibbdlnrsu
1
mackena is better than this fake coach
junbcdesuz
3
i will stop spotting Chelsea bcz off this stupid coach
Butabentu
1
one game at the time 😉 chelsea fans remember
Teuinopsuy
1
Enzo maresca, it is time for you to leave.
rozbdeopt
1
Chelsea next fixtures is very tough...I thing there are out of UCL spot.. Newcastle, Man city and forest will follow Liverpool & Arsenal.
KingCarrot
0
Maresca : We are not ready for CL qualifications
Mimbceikp
0
The problem is not only the coach,but the board as well.The managements are not ready to sign experience player and they are using Chelsea football club as business just as during Arsene Wenger period at Arsenal
masa chop your house matter wai
haycikrstz
1
The problem is Maresca’s approach to games. His team selection speaks a lot about the attitude with which he approaches each. He doesn’t respect some of the teams he plays against and doesn’t build that winning mentality in his players
Good. Yourself?
damipaul23
0
The problem is Maresca’s approach to games. His team selection speaks a lot about the attitude with which he approaches each. He doesn’t respect some of the teams he plays against and doesn’t build that winning mentality in his players
I’m new here can we be friends
haycikrstz
0
Hi
Hi
damipaul23
0
The problem is Maresca’s approach to games. His team selection speaks a lot about the attitude with which he approaches each. He doesn’t respect some of the teams he plays against and doesn’t build that winning mentality in his players
How are you doing
damipaul23
1
The problem is Maresca’s approach to games. His team selection speaks a lot about the attitude with which he approaches each. He doesn’t respect some of the teams he plays against and doesn’t build that winning mentality in his players
Hi
haycikrstz
2
The problem is Maresca’s approach to games. His team selection speaks a lot about the attitude with which he approaches each. He doesn’t respect some of the teams he plays against and doesn’t build that winning mentality in his players
Ikonso0
0
I'm not fan for Chelsea but don't blame the coach the player the selfish
You don't know what you are saying
seecdekmpu
0
The problem is not only the coach,but the board as well.The managements are not ready to sign experience player and they are using Chelsea football club as business just as during Arsene Wenger period at Arsenal
Nehbdnsuyz
0
Which support this man called himself a coach of Chelsea wants from supporters? If by any chance meet this man one on one, I will smash his bald head with an iron rod nonsense. God will PUNISH you and your criminal owners.
sosdoprst
0
When the team was doing he always comes to the media and said the team is not ready and we are going down he should be happy now stupid coach
sosdoprst
0
We simply not going to qualify for the champions league
sosdoprst
0
Maresca you are not good enough man you need to be sacked immediately
Iffy106
0
FA have to investigate this stupid Man called Enzo Maresca for both last weekend and this weekend Match fixed
Pehcdlmnrt
0
why are u fans funny this is now a business club. They are there to make money not to win trophies
Musah5
1
I bet if we still with dis manager there's no champions League
jehbdintyz
4
Chelsea is bigger than Ipswich but the Ipswich coach is bigger than Mad Maresca
dezceioruz
0
I'm not fan for Chelsea but don't blame the coach the player the selfish
Tahcmptuz
1
oga shurt ur mouth up
Naokmptuz
0
blue is the color football is the game we are all together. remember that dear my fellow fans we are from the same family
we are being critical of our team and it's no time for hyping or singing the team's praise. They are messing things
fimbdkrtuz
0
Bastard coach
hoselrtuyz
2
it is true that the board and management have big problems.the coaches too have a problem. I don't understand why why he the coach thinks that, the team can't win consecutive matches.after a win his next selection will tell you that he doesn't want to win.a very weak mentality. The coach should stop playing with our mines,it is dangerous for we the fans.how do you treat us like that.
Kidalnotz
1
Is clear Enzo is a weak manager with weak mentality.
Kidalnotz
0
Is Enzo Marresca improving the team as his so call contract says?