Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca is facing a storm of backlash from Blues fans after comments he made following his team’s FA Cup exit to Brighton.
The Italian coach stirred controversy with his stance on Chelsea’s current state, causing a divide among the supporters.
Maresca’s Comments Spark Outrage
After Chelsea’s 2-1 loss to Brighton on Sunday, Maresca appeared to downplay the significance of the defeat.
His comments about the team’s focus on the Premier League and Conference League instead of the FA Cup didn’t sit well with many fans.
“If there is something good after a defeat, it is that we can be focused on the Premier League and the Conference League,” Maresca said, leaving fans frustrated by his apparent acceptance of the loss.
Frustration Builds Among Chelsea Fans
As expected, Chelsea supporters weren’t happy with their manager’s response.
Many took to social media to express their dissatisfaction, with some even calling for Maresca to be dismissed.
“You’re complicit in it, mate,” one fan wrote, while another remarked, “Just making excuses… you are not fit to coach Chelsea… the club is bigger than you.”
The criticisms continued to pile up, with some fans claiming the manager’s negativity was damaging to the club’s morale.
Comparisons With Tuchel’s Winning Mentality
Maresca’s comments were also compared unfavorably to those of former manager Thomas Tuchel, who was known for his winning mentality during his time at Stamford Bridge.
In 2021, Tuchel declared, “I am here to win titles
. I’m here to win games and as a result to win titles.
This is what I demand of myself.” Fans couldn’t help but reflect on how Tuchel’s approach seemed vastly different from Maresca’s, with some lamenting the loss of that ambitious attitude under the current manager.
Maresca Stands Firm on Chelsea’s Long-Term Vision
Despite the backlash, Maresca remains confident in Chelsea’s future.
When asked if he believed the club could return to its previous levels of success, he said, “Absolutely, yes. This is our goal.
In the next five or ten years, this club can compete, no doubt.”
He also explained that Chelsea, given its current rebuilding phase, was not in a position to win multiple competitions right away.
Chelsea’s Upcoming Fixture and Hopes for the Future
Chelsea’s focus now shifts to their upcoming match against Brighton, with a chance to extend their lead over Manchester City in the race for a top-four finish.
Maresca hopes that in the long run, the club will return to its former glory, but it seems many fans aren’t prepared to be patient as they await a return to the heights of recent years.