NewsHail
26 May 2025
Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca left Nottingham Forest’s stadium and aimed a swear word at his critics. He did not say the word out loud but made it clear he was angry. He said he never doubted his players. The doubts came from outside.
This came after a big 1-0 win. Defender Levi Colwill scored the winning goal by tapping the ball in at the far post. Maresca then celebrated with the Chelsea fans who traveled to the game.
Everyone knew how important that goal was. It helped Chelsea qualify for the Champions League. The club’s owners, Todd Boehly and Behdad Eghbali, were on the pitch celebrating too.
Now, no matter what happens in the Conference League final against Real Betis, Chelsea can call this season a success. This is the first time since Roman Abramovich and Thomas Tuchel left that the club has a clear win.
Some senior people at Chelsea said qualifying for the Champions League was not the most important thing. They said the club will look at Maresca’s job after two full seasons no matter what. They also said money from the Champions League is good but not the main reason.
Still, it is good for the club’s image. Chelsea spent £1.7 billion on the team. They had the youngest average starting lineup in the Premier League this season—only 24 years old on average.
Maresca spoke about Chelsea’s critics during a tough season with some fan protests. He said, “I never doubted the players. The doubts came from outside. Some said we were too young or not good enough. They waited for Aston Villa to lose so we could finish in the Champions League spots. They said we could not win here because we lack experience.”
“Those people were wrong. So in English, how do you say it? [Swear word deleted] to all of them. The players worked very hard and they deserve respect.”
Why was Maresca not under pressure?
Maresca was safe before Chelsea played the game on Sunday. The club’s bosses, who hired him last summer for five years, like him. They believe his style will work in the long run.
They say injuries caused some poor results in winter. They also look at stats: Chelsea was second in missed chances, fifth in expected goals, and only Liverpool took more shots. This means they made many chances but did not always score.
The owners watch other teams like Arsenal and Liverpool rebuild under young coaches. They want to be steady and not change managers often.
Why Champions League could keep the team together
Maresca was asked if Cole Palmer should play in the Champions League. He said yes. He also said players like Moises Caicedo, Enzo Fernandez, and Levi Colwill deserve it too.
This is good and bad for Chelsea. Some players only played in the Conference League and got frustrated. Players like Christopher Nkunku, Joao Felix, Axel Disasi, and Renato Veiga left or tried to leave in January.
Now, players on the bench can play in the Champions League, but they must get used to stronger teams.
Did the owners need Champions League?
In December, fans cheered “We’ve got our Chelsea back.” But two months later, some fans chanted “We want our Chelsea back.” Some protested the owners at a home game in February.
The anger has calmed down. But issues like ticket prices and disagreements among owners could cause more protests.
The owners are still learning what it is like to run a football club. Boehly said owning Chelsea is like owning anything else, with highs and lows. The difference is that football is very public, so mistakes are noticed quickly.
Would Champions League help with rules?
Qualifying for the Champions League is very important for money. It can earn Chelsea £80m to £100m, plus more from tickets and deals.
Chelsea had trouble getting a big shirt sponsor this season because they were not in the Champions League. They are now talking to new partners for next season.
Financial rules look at money over three years. Without Champions League money, Chelsea’s finances would be weaker.
Chelsea now earn less than other big clubs like Tottenham and Manchester City. They sold two hotels to their parent company to help stay within financial rules.
The club can also make money by playing in the Club World Cup this summer.
Chelsea wanted to sign a striker, a right-footed left winger, and maybe a defender this summer. Now, they may spend more money to catch up with Liverpool, who finished 15 points ahead.
