Under-fire Enzo Maresca outlines why disgruntled fans need to 'trust' Chelsea despite Blues surrendering Champions League place

Maresca is under-fire after his team dropped four points in their last two Premier League matches, including a 2-2 draw against relegation-threatened Ipswich Town at the weekend. The consecutive draws meant that the Blues have slipped to sixth in the league and are now at risk of missing out on a top-five finish and securing a place in the 2025-26 Champions League.

During the club's clash against the Tractor Boys at Stamford Bridge, Maresca and his players were booed off at half-time when they were trailing by two goals. However, despite the clear dissatisfaction among the supporters, the Italian coach has urged them to trust his team.

Speaking to reporters, the Blues boss said: "In my mind, I think the team is ready [to take two steps forward next season] and the reason why I say that is because of this season. Even from outside, it is difficult to see. In the last two years, Chelsea have been in the top four zero times. This season, we have been in the top four most of the season. This is the reason why fans need to trust us, trust the team and trust the club. This season, we spent almost the whole season top four. It is big proof that the team is improving and doing the right things."

The west London club will be back in action on Thursday as they take on Legia Warsaw in the second leg of their Conference League quarter-final tie at home.