Enzo Maresca insists he WANTS his Chelsea players to pass backwards or they risk substitution as he fires warning to disgruntled fans over 'PlayStation football' expectations

The Chelsea boss was in no mood to compromise with his approach after his side edged out Leicester City 1-0 in the Premier League on Sunday, courtesy of Marc Cucurella's 60th-minute strike. The home fans at Stamford Bridge were not satisfied with the performance of the team, though, as they often voiced their frustration with loud reactions to the hosts' patient build-up play. Maresca, however, has no intention of changing things after securing an important three points.

During the match, midfielder Enzo Fernandez was jeered by his own fans after he passed the ball backwards, but Maresca later explained that the Argentine was simply following instructions. Speaking to reporters, the Italian coach said: "Yeah, but the good thing is that Fernandez knows that if he doesn’t play back, I will change him. If the ‘keeper plays long, I will change him. This is what we have."

He added: "My message to Filip (Jorgensen) was: "If you play long ball, I will change you.’ So he was just doing what I told him to."

The 45-year-old also sent out a message to the Blues fans as he said: "The people have to understand this is our way, our style, and this is the way we are going to play. When a team creates the amount of chances we created, you have to be happy. It’s not easy. Leicester, until minute 83, were 0-0 against Arsenal (actually minute 81, in a 2-0 loss on February 15); the same thing happened against (Manchester) City (they were beaten 2-0 on December 29, but only trailed by one until the 74th minute). If you think football is just a PlayStation (game) and you win easy, no way — every game is difficult. The way the players have done is fantastic.

"We need our fans. On my Instagram, I said two days ago our Champions League (qualification) target will be with our fans supporting us, and especially when you play at home. We need them behind the players with the spirit they showed."

The west London side will be back in action later this week as they take on Copenhagen in the second leg of their Conference League round of 16 clash.