Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca has pushed back against claims that his debut campaign has been a disappointment, insisting that critics are ignoring the strides his team has made this season.
The Italian head coach spoke out following his side’s 2-1 win over Fulham at Craven Cottage last weekend – a result that momentarily pushed Chelsea back into the top five and reignited hopes of a Champions League return.
While Nottingham Forest have since reclaimed fifth place, Maresca remains confident in the direction the team is heading as Chelsea prepare for a crucial clash against Everton.
“Compared to the last two years, (the season) is not a failure,” said Maresca.
“How many times in the last two years have Chelsea been in the Champions League (places)? And this season we have been there almost all season. It’s an improvement or not? It’s already an improvement.”
Chelsea’s recent history under owners Todd Boehly has been turbulent, marked by heavy investment – over £1 billion in transfers – and frequent changes in both the squad and coaching staff.
The club finished 12th in 2023 and climbed to sixth last season. This campaign was meant to stabilise the project, with less upheaval and a clearer structure, but the team currently sits in the same league position as it did at the end of last year.
Despite a mid-season surge that saw Chelsea briefly rise to second in December, just two points off top spot, their form took a turn soon after. Even so, Maresca still believes that the bigger picture shows improvement.
🚨 Squad update ahead of Everton.
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) April 25, 2025
“Compared to the last two years it’s quite clear there is an improvement,” he added.
“If you want to see it, you see it. If you don’t want to see it, you don’t see it. Depends in which way (you look). I see it.
“We have the obligation to bring this club to where it belongs. The results have been there. Me as a manager, the club, we all have ambition. I think we are in the right direction and hopefully we can be there very soon.”
Maresca’s relationship with Chelsea’s fanbase has been strained during the rocky patch of results, and tensions were evident again after the Fulham win.
Notably, he opted not to join in the celebrations with the travelling supporters after Pedro Neto’s late winner.
“I can understand (the frustration).
“We are trying to keep them happy. I think the fans are the same as (in December) when they were singing that Chelsea is back and showing that they were happy.
“Now because we are not winning the same number of games as at the beginning, they are showing they’re not happy. In the way we accepted it when they were singing that Chelsea is back, we need to accept it now that they are not happy.”
