Enzo Maresca sack update amid ‘surprise’ he turned on Chelsea fans
Enzo Maresca has caused “surprise” over his decision to criticise Chelsea supporters in the wake of the 2-2 draw with Ipswich and now an update on his job security has emerged from within the club.
The Blues’ hopes of securing a top-five finish and Champions League football ahead of next season took a huge blow in being held by relegation stricken Ipswich at Stamford Bridge.
First-half goals from Julio Enciso and Ben Johnson saw Kieran McKenna’s men lead at the break and gave Chelsea an uphill battle to face in the second-half.
Despite rescuing a point through an Alex Tuanzebe own goal 20 seconds after the restart and a wonderful effort from substitute Jadon Sancho, Maresca has seemingly taken a dig at the Chelsea fans, leaving the Italian coach with “work to do” in order to repair his relationship with the supporters.
Enzo Maresca safe after Stamford Bridge ‘environment’ claims
According to Mail Online Maresca remains on “safe ground” despite apparently taking on his own fans over the failure of the Blues to take a much-needed three points in the race for the Champions League.
The report said: “Outside, there was some surprise that Maresca criticised the Stamford Bridge atmosphere to the extent that he suggested the ‘environment’ helped relegation-threatened Ipswich take their two-goal lead.
“Maresca appeared to claim the negativity led to Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sanchez sending a goal-kick long as opposed to playing it short as per the original plan, and the visitors took advantage by making 2-0 seconds later.”
However, Maresca himself is said to be “highly frustrated” with the draw and “remains committed to succeeding with Chelsea”.
If the Blues miss out on qualification for the Champions League however, in an increasingly tight battle against the likes of Newcastle, Man City and Nottingham Forest it is said “questions will be asked”.
| Chelsea stats | Ipswich stats |
| Possession – 74% | Possession – 27% |
| Total shots – 34 | Total shots – 13 |
| On target – 9 | On target – 4 |
| Off target – 15 | Off target – 8 |
Questions to be asked of Enzo Maresca if Chelsea miss out on Champions League
Football Insider Verdict
As we have seen in the past, it does not take much as a manager to be sacked by Chelsea. They are a club which demands results and sometimes look at that above the bigger picture.
This is supported by the club’s decision to relieve Mauricio Pochettino of his duties at the end of last season, despite winning seven, drawing two and losing just one of his final ten matches in charge.
Just when many believed Chelsea had turned a corner under Pochettino, he was gone within a year of arriving at the club.
The signs for Maresca are there and he needs to be careful with comments such as these, as the opinion of the Chelsea fans matters in his long-term future.
The 45-year-old had already been met with a chorus of boos for his decision to take Noni Madueke off for Sancho, and despite his choice being proved right, it’s a dangerous game to play in upsetting the Chelsea faithful.
It remains to be seen whether Maresca’s comments signal the beginning of the end for his time in West London or if he can turn things around with qualification into the Champions League ahead of next term.