Chelsea make Enzo Maresca sack decision as slump continues
- Chelsea have endured a poor run of form this calendar year
- Enzo Maresca's side slipped out of the top four after another defeat to Brighton
- The Blues have made their decision on Maresca's future
Chelsea have no intention of sacking manager Enzo Maresca despite the club's poor run of form, according to multiple reports.
The Blues were consigned to a convincing defeat at Brighton's AMEX Stadium for the second time in six days on Friday night, losing 3-0 while failing to register a single shot on target. Maresca apologised to Chelsea's travelling support and described his side's showing as "the worst since I arrived".
Friday's reverse fixture was merely the latest stumble in a sharp decline which has gripped the club since mid-December. After enjoying a five-game winning streak, Chelsea have recorded just two victories from their last nine league matches - only six clubs have collected fewer points during this bleak spell.
Nevertheless, Maresca's position reportedly remains secure.
Fabrizio Romano told his YouTube channel that there is "no danger, no problem, no issues" for Maresca. The Italian is still viewed by those at Chelsea as "the right man for the job".
The Athletic also report that Chelsea are "happy" with their head coach. The Blues have been hampered by extensive injuries but very much remain in the race for Champions League qualification - a target which they weren't expected to achieve until the 2025/26 campaign. As Maresca has been at pains to point out: "We are in the right process, we are in the right direction."
As it becomes increasingly likely that the Premier League's top five - rather than the top four - will qualify for next season's Champions League, Chelsea's chances of remaining ahead of schedule are still intact. The Blues are level on points with fifth-placed Bournemouth with 13 games of the campaign remaining.
While reports suggest otherwise, the trigger-happy reputation of Chelsea's new ownership precedes them. Maresca is the sixth different figure to take charge of the club since BlueCo took over almost three years ago. Mauricio Pochettino steered the team to a relatively respectable sixth-placed finish last season yet was still dismissed.
Maresca may have had this past precedent in mind when he admitted after the defeat to Brighton: "I feel pressure always."
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