Chelsea ‘make decision over Enzo Marseca’s future’ – as Blues hopes of Champions League qualification remain in the balance

• Chelsea will earn a Champions League spot by winning their final two matches
• A return to Europe’s elite competition had been a key target of their season 
• LISTEN NOW: It’s All Kicking Off! Why Liverpool fans must not let Trent Alexander-Arnold row spoil their title party 

By MICHAEL PAVITT

Chelsea have reportedly made the decision to stick with Enzo Maresca as head coach regardless of whether the club miss out on Champions League qualification.

The Blues currently lie fifth in the Premier League table, which would be enough to secure a return to Europe’s elite club competition next season.

Maresca’s side are ahead of sixth placed Aston Villa on goal difference, while Nottingham Forest are just a point behind in seventh.

Chelsea face crunch matches against Man United and Forest in their final two league matches, but know victories will see them return to Europe’s elite competition for the first time since the 2022-23 season.

Maresca admitted earlier this year that the club’s target was to secure a return to the Champions League. 

According to the Telegraph, Chelsea’s owners Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital have decided to keep faith with Maresca, even if they fall short of the target.

Chelsea will reportedly keep faith in Enzo Maresca regardless of how their season ends

Their hopes of Champions League qualification are in the balance after losing to Newcastle

Victories in their final two league matches would seal a return to Europe’s elite competition

The Blues are said to have no intention to make a change and plan to give the Italian two full seasons in charge before assessing his performance.

Maresca was given a five-year contract by Chelsea last summer, with the 45-year-old appointed after leading Leicester to the Championship title.

His predecessor Mauricio Pochettino left the club after one season in charge having finished sixth last season, but the Argentine had been appointed on an initial two-year deal.

Chelsea could also secure silverware in Maresca’s first season as head coach with the Blues having advanced to the Conference League final.

They will meeting Spanish side Real Betis in the final in Wroclaw on May 28.

Earlier this month, Maresca claimed winning the tournament would show that Chelsea were ‘back’, with the Italian suggesting the achievement would help to build a ‘winning mentality’ in his team.

The final comes just 19 days before Chelsea will play their first match at FIFA’s expanded Club World Cup in the United States, with international scheduled between.

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Chelsea ‘make decision over Enzo Marseca’s future’ – as Blues hopes of Champions League qualification remain in the balance

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