Enzo Maresca has defended his debut season at Chelsea, rejecting claims it has been a failure despite criticism of his cautious tactical approach in the push for Champions League qualification.
With just five games remaining, Chelsea sit sixth in the Premier League and risk falling short of a top-five finish.
The Blues have managed only six victories in their last 17 league matches heading into Saturday’s showdown with Everton at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea are two points adrift of fifth-placed Newcastle after coming from behind to beat Fulham 2-1 with two late goals.
Maresca barely celebrated the west London derby victory, leaving the Craven Cottage pitch immediately after the final whistle in a move that was interpreted as a response to mounting criticism from frustrated supporters.
The former Leicester manager’s cautious game plans have irked fans, who have jeered Maresca and his players several times this season.
Maresca is adamant he deserves respect for his work at Chelsea, who finished sixth under his predecessor Mauricio Pochettino last term.
“Compared to the last two years, the season is not a failure,” Maresca told reporters on Friday.
“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.”
Despite Chelsea co-owner Todd Boehly Clearlake Capital investing over £1 billion ($1.3 billion) in new signings since buying the club in 2022, the Blues are yet to win a trophy in the post-Roman Abramovich era.
But, having been in second place and two points behind champions-elect Liverpool in December, Maresca accused the doubters of failing to recognise Chelsea’s development.
