"It is not a failure": Enzo Maresca on Chelsea's struggles

Enzo Maresca has again played down Chelsea's struggles this season, declaring that the campaign has not been a failure.

While the former Leicester boss hasn't had too much involvement with the hundreds of millions of pounds spent in recent years, the vast outlay means the club are expected to qualify for the UEFA Champions League, and Chelsea's place in the top five hangs in the balance.

The Blues looked good for a place in the top five throughout the first half of the season, but their 2025 form has left a lot to be desired, falling to sixth in the Premier League table.

Maresca, however, points to Chelsea's recent domestic campaigns for perspective.

"Compared to the last few years, it is not a failure," said Maresca. "How many times have Chelsea been in the Champions League in the last few seasons? 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."

The message won't be overly welcomed by Chelsea fans, who were seeing notable improvement under Mauricio Pochettino towards the end of last season before the Argentine's dismissal, but Maresca says he understands their frustration.

"I think the fans thought Chelsea were back some time ago and now probably because we are not winning the same amount games as the beginning, they are showing they are not happy," said Maresca. "We need to accept now they are not happy."

Chelsea since 20th December 2024

A big reason for Chelsea's recent woes is the form of talisman Cole Palmer.

Palmer scored 14 times in his first 21 games this season, as well as registering six assists, but the well appears to be running dry for the 22-year-old.

Palmer has now gone 11 games without scoring and has just two assists in his last 19 Premier League games.

Palmer’s playmaking woes have directly coincided with the Blues’ slide down the Premier League table.

Since 20th December, Chelsea have picked up just 23 points in 17 games, with only West Ham, Manchester United, Tottenham, Ipswich, Southampton and Leicester picking up fewer in that time.

It’s left Chelsea, who could sorely use the UEFA Champions League money, battling to finish in the top five.

The Blues have already gone two years without featuring at the European top table and have spent vast sums on transfers in that time and they can ill-afford another season away from the UEFA Champions League.

Maresca’s side don’t have the easiest run-in, either. Still juggling their UEFA Conference League commitments, Chelsea host Everton and Liverpool before a trip to Newcastle. Their final home game of the season comes against Manchester United, before finishing the campaign at top-five rivals Nottingham Forest.

Liam Williams

• Chelsea F.C.
• Premier League
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