Despite Fan’s Criticism, Maresca Defends Chelsea’s Playing Style
Recently, the Chelsea F.C. has been facing a capacity of backlash. This has been regarding the team’s style of playing. Along with their 2-0 down in Sunday's draw with Ipswich Town, fans became particularly impatient at Stamford Bridge. They relayed heavy pushback for the Chelsea team for sticking to the same approach and build-up when it was not working against the relegation-threatened team.
On Wednesday, Coach Enzo Maresca passionately defended his players who were jeered over the weekend. He confidently rejected fans’ criticism, arguing that he strongly believes Chelsea is moving in the right direction and developing a playing style that will help them in the long run. One might imagine the reason Chelsea’s playing style received such pushback because it initially demonstrated little to no benefit for the team as they fell sixth in the standings. However, despite this, Maresca said he had 100%' belief in his approach, adding that his squad is improving as they chase a Europa Conference League Semifinal spot when they host Legia Warsaw this past Thursday. For the Chelsea F.C. coach, the past doesn’t matter when in fact he says, “What happened last year, two years ago, I was not here, I don't have an idea, I'm not going to judge because it's difficult, but this season, we are improving fast.” This is especially notable because it comes just barely ahead of the second leg where Chelsea is in the lead 3-0.
Maraca’s confidence in his team is surely admirable. He notes, "I think we can reach the European Semifinals. Yes, for sure it's not the Champions League, but in the end, it's a European competition.” The results speak for themselves, Chelsea has been in the top four almost all season since implementing this style whereas the team was never previously in the top four while operating under past playing styles. “I think it's quite clear that the direction is the right one, the style is the right one," said Maresca. The team’s vision is clear and neither the players nor Maresca hear the abuse from the crowd. Fan support is nonetheless vital to the team’s progress. Just like Barcelona’s win in Leganés recently, the players and fans alike know that it takes hard work to reach success. On a final note, Maresca reiterated the fan’s role in Chelsea’s success, noting that "Most of the games at home, the fans have been top - fantastic support for the team. In some games, in some moments, like the last one, they were not happy. So, we have to be good enough to engage them again."
