Chelsea to sack Enzo Maresca? O’Rourke updates today
Chelsea are unlikely to sack Enzo Maresca at the end of the season despite growing speculation about his future, sources have told Football Insider.
Speaking on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, senior correspondent Pete O’Rourke revealed that the 45-year-old is part of the long-term plans at Stamford Bridge as they aim to establish some stability.
Despite a dip in form placing them in a battle for Champions League qualification, the Blues’ ownership are believed to be happy with his management.
They are on track to progress into the semi-final of the Europa Conference League after a 3-0 win against Legia Warsaw, and winning the competition would come as a huge boost.
In the mean time, the board are preparing to back Maresca in the summer transfer window to ensure they can continue to make progress.
Enzo Maresca to stay at Chelsea despite fans’ sack calls
Chelsea fans have called for Maresca’s dismissal in recent weeks including after a 1-0 win against Leicester as they have concerns about their performances.
Former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that Maresca is facing sack pressure at Chelsea following a poor run of form in January and February.
However, his side remain on track to achieve Champions League qualification which was the main aim heading into his first season in charge.
Chelsea have won six of their last eight games across all competitions and have kept five clean sheets in that time, and are eyeing a strong end to the season.
Dean Huijsen transfer update emerges amid Liverpool interest
With Maresca’s future at Stamford Bridge secure as things stand, Chelsea have started putting plans in place to strengthen his squad in the summer window.
Brown told Football Insider on 7 April that Chelsea want to sign Bournemouth star Dean Huijsen and are prepared to rival Liverpool and Real Madrid for his signature.
The Blues missed out on a deal to sign Nottingham Forest’s Murillo in January as he opted to sign a new contract at the City Ground, and are assessing alternative targets.
This comes after Brown told Football Insider that Chelsea want to sign a new centre-back as a priority amid growing concerns about their defensive stability.
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