Chelsea could 'sack' Enzo Maresca after new 'concern' - pundit

Chelsea could sack Enzo Maresca at the end of the season if they fail to qualify for the Champions League, Paul Robinson has insisted.

Speaking on the latest edition of Football Insider's Inside Track podcast, former England goalkeeper Robinson, who remains well-connected within the game, insisted that another "shambles" season would see the manager thrown out.

Amid rumours that Chelsea want to re-sign Crystal Palace and England star Marc Guehi, Robinson insisted that the instability of the manager and players at Stamford Bridge would put him off.

This comes after Football Insider revealed that the 24-year-old would turn down a move to the Blues in favour of a "more attractive" offer.

The centre-back has been heavily linked with a move away from Crystal Palace as he will have just 18 months remaining on his contract in January.

However, new concerns have emerged that Chelsea will have to qualify for the Champions League to stand a chance in the race for his signature.

It has been said that, should they fail to qualify for Europe's premier competition, the board will have to make a decision about Maresca's future at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea could sack Enzo Maresca after Marc Guehi twist

The Blues have won two, drawn one and lost one of their opening four games this season, but have looked strong since their opening-day defeat against Manchester City.

A draw with Crystal Palace at home, followed by a late 1-0 win away at Bournemouth, have raised some tensions, but there is growing backing for Maresca's role.

However, Robinson has insisted the boss remains under pressure of losing his job if he cannot deliver success, similar to what his predecessor Mauricio Pochettino suffered.

He has also insisted that Chelsea will need to have a strong season to attract high-profile players in the transfer market - with stability a "concern".

"If they're a shambles, they'll sack the manager at the end of the season," he told Football Insider.

"Then they'll have no chance of getting him [Guehi].

"They'll need to have a steady season and finish in the Champions League places, then they're in the race to sign him.

"The stability there is a concern, the rotation of players and managers, I think when you're looking at top players like that, they're not just looking at the financial side of things.

"They're looking at their club careers and international careers, and a player like Marc Guehi will want to establish himself as a full England international."

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