Enzo Maresca`s position as Chelsea boss is secure for now.
The Italian head coach still has the backing of the club`s leadership despite a worrying decline in the team`s performance.
Sunday’s disappointing 2-2 draw against struggling Ipswich leaves them in sixth place in the Premier League and diminishes their chances of qualifying for the Champions League next season.
Returning to the lucrative European competition is central to Chelsea’s plans.
Maresca’s team faced boos at halftime and needed an own goal and a goal from Jadon Sancho, who is on loan, to secure a point against Ipswich Town, who are likely to be relegated.
However, Maresca’s commitment and dedication to his role mean that the Chelsea leadership remains confident that he is still the right person for the job.
He has been in charge for less than a full season since joining from Leicester City, where he won the Championship title last season.
Maresca, 45, is the fourth permanent manager under Chelsea’s ownership since they took over less than three years ago.
Despite the recent drop in results, there is no desire for another managerial change.
A source inside Chelsea stated: “Everyone at the club is completely united and dedicated to getting back into the Champions League.”
“Enzo, the board, and the sporting directors are all aligned with this goal.”
“If Champions League qualification isn`t achieved this season, questions will naturally arise. But currently, Enzo is still considered the right person to lead Chelsea forward.”
Chelsea has drawn their last two Premier League matches, losing four potential points.
They are currently one point outside the top five, which would secure Champions League qualification after a two-season absence.
With only six games remaining, they need to close the gap, and they face direct competitors Newcastle and Nottingham Forest in their upcoming fixtures.
It’s a difficult task, and winger Sancho has urged for team unity in the final weeks of this inconsistent season, especially with an upcoming challenging match against Fulham on Sunday.
Chelsea ratings vs Ipswich
Jadon Sancho rescued a point for Chelsea as Enzo Maresca`s team came back from behind to draw with Ipswich.
The Tractor Boys, who are fighting against relegation, took a 2-0 lead after 31 minutes as Chelsea played poorly in the first half.
However, Maresca's team improved after halftime and fought back to earn what is still a disappointing point in their pursuit of a Champions League place.
Who were the standout performers for the Blues, and who had a game to forget?
Read Conor Jones' player ratings to find out.
Sancho stated: “We really want that Champions League spot.”
“It’s not over yet, we still have six games left. From now on, every game must be treated like a final, so we will need everyone at their best.”
“We have tough matches ahead, but if we remain united, I’m confident we can achieve our objectives.”
Maresca expressed concern that the ‘atmosphere’ at Stamford Bridge is not helping his players in their aim to return to Europe’s top club competition.
Chelsea’s demanding fans are uneasy and dissatisfied, even though the team is progressing well in the UEFA Conference League this season, despite struggling domestically.
Maresca said: “We are stronger with our fans. We perform better as a team when they support us, and it’s their choice how they want to be.”
