'How many times? Zero' - Enzo Maresca issues fiery response amid claims he hasn't improved Chelsea by insisting club have already been out of Champions League for two years

Maresca took the reins after Mauricio Pochettino was dismissed at the end of the 2023-24 season, despite the Argentine guiding the team to six consecutive league wins and a sixth-place finish down the stretch. While the final run was impressive, it was not enough to convince Chelsea’s board to stick with Pochettino, prompting them to bring in Maresca with hopes of long-term growth.

Although there has been debate about Maresca’s suitability for the role, particularly after a difficult stretch earlier this year, the manager himself appears unfazed and stands firm in his belief that Chelsea are on the track, especially with Champions League qualification still within reach.

When questioned about the team’s direction and his place at the helm, Maresca did not hesitate to defend both his work and the progress made.

"I've already answered this one a few times. Compared to the last few years, it is not a failure," he told reporters. "How many times have Chelsea been in the Champions League in the last few seasons? How many times? Zero. It's already an improvement because we have spent all season there. Compared to the last few years, it is quite clear there is an improvement."

Maresca emphasised that both the results and the broader vision align with what the club is striving to achieve.

"For sure in terms of results, we have the obligation to bring this club to where it belongs," he said. "The results have been there. But the good thing is me as a manager, the club, we all have ambition of where we want to go and we are in the right direction. Hopefully we can be there very soon."

Chelsea’s 2-1 triumph over west London rivals Fulham on Sunday provided a timely boost in their pursuit of a Champions League berth. The win helped Maresca’s side retain sixth place in the Premier League standings, two points adrift of Newcastle, who currently occupy fifth. With five league fixtures remaining, the race for a top-five finish remains intense. Chelsea’s next assignment comes this Saturday when they take on Everton.