Enzo Maresca is still secure as Chelsea`s manager for the time being.
Despite a recent decline in the team`s performance, the club`s board remains confident in the Italian head coach.
The 2-2 draw against Ipswich on Sunday, a team struggling in the league, leaves Chelsea in sixth place in the Premier League. Their chances of qualifying for the Champions League next season are diminishing.
Returning to the lucrative Champions League competition as soon as possible is central to Chelsea`s strategy.
Maresca`s team faced boos at halftime during the Ipswich game. They managed to secure a point thanks to an own goal and a goal from Jadon Sancho, who is on loan, against a team likely to be relegated.
However, Maresca`s dedication and strong commitment to his role have convinced the Chelsea leadership that he is still the right person for the job.
He has been in charge for less than a full season since joining from Leicester City, where he won the Championship title last season.
Maresca, 45, is the fourth permanent manager appointed since Chelsea`s new ownership took over less than three years ago.
Despite the drop in results, there is no current intention to replace him.
A source inside Chelsea stated, “Everyone at the club is completely united and focused on getting back into the Champions League.”
“Enzo, the board, and the sporting directors are all aligned on this goal.”
“If Champions League qualification isn`t achieved this season, questions will naturally arise. But currently, Enzo is still considered the manager to lead Chelsea forward.”
Chelsea has drawn their last two Premier League matches, losing four potential points.
They are currently one point away from the top five, which could be enough to qualify for the Champions League after being absent for two seasons.
With only six games remaining, they need to recover lost ground. They are scheduled to play against direct competitors like Newcastle and Nottingham Forest before the season ends.
It`s a challenging situation, and winger Sancho has urged for team unity as they approach the final weeks of a turbulent season. Chelsea`s next game is a difficult away match against Fulham on Sunday.
Chelsea player ratings against Ipswich
Jadon Sancho saved Chelsea from an embarrassing defeat as Enzo Maresca`s team came back to draw with Ipswich.
Ipswich, who are fighting against relegation, took a 2-0 lead within the first 31 minutes, with Chelsea performing poorly in the first half.
However, Maresca`s team improved after halftime and fought back to earn a point, which is still disappointing as they aim for a Champions League spot.
Who played well for Chelsea, and who had a game to forget?
Read the player ratings to find out.
Sancho commented, “We really want that Champions League spot.”
“It`s not over yet, we still have six games left. Every game from now on must be treated like a final, so we need everyone to be fully committed.”
“We have tough matches ahead, but if we stay united, I believe we can achieve what we need from these games.”
Maresca has expressed concern that the atmosphere at Stamford Bridge is not helping his players in their ambition to rejoin Europe`s top clubs.
Chelsea`s fans have high expectations and are showing impatience, even though the team is performing well in the UEFA Conference League this season.
Maresca added, “We are stronger with our fans` support. We perform better as a team, and it`s up to them to decide how they want to be.”
