Maresca appreciates Chelsea fans backing after tough period
Enzo Maresca expressed gratitude for the Chelsea supporters who chanted his name during the 3-1 victory over Cardiff in the League Cup quarter finals on Tuesday.
The team progressed to the semi finals with goals from Alejandro Garnacho who scored twice and Pedro Neto after David Turnbull levelled the score for the League One side leading the table.
Chelsea faced a challenging match yet securing a third semi final appearance in 18 months highlights Marescas influence since his move from Leicester in 2024.
This success came at an opportune time following Marescas remarks after the 2-0 triumph against Everton on Saturday where he described the prior 48 hours as his most difficult at Stamford Bridge due to insufficient backing from various individuals.
The Italians comments sparked rumours that he might have been targeting co owners Todd Boehly and Behdad Eghbali along with sporting directors Laurence Stewart and Paul Winstanley.
Reports indicate Maresca felt frustrated by the clubs leadership not offering public endorsement amid backlash over his squad rotation strategy during the squads recent slump.
The Cardiff result marked just their second victory in six outings across all tournaments.
However Maresca who guided Chelsea to triumphs in the Club World Cup and UEFA Conference League this year received chants from the away fans who repeatedly sang his name during the game at Cardiff.
I am simply delighted we are advancing to another semi final and this is something the supporters merit Maresca stated after deliberately walking across the field to thank the crowd at the end.
It created a special instant I value it and remain grateful. At times without wins they feel disappointed which is understandable yet generally the fans have stood by us.
When questioned about discussions with Chelseas executives since the previous weekend Maresca replied No as I mentioned yesterday on Monday after the Everton match I began preparations for Cardiff concentrating on that fixture.
I have not conversed with anybody. There was no need it is fine. I have always felt content from the very start so this evening changes nothing I am still content.
Maresca seems to enjoy complete loyalty from his squad who fought hard against a determined Cardiff after the managers bold choice to rotate with 11 alterations including benching England attacker Cole Palmer.
The coach also missed young winger Estevao who will sit out Saturdays Premier League encounter at Newcastle because of a minor muscle injury.
These matches make me admire my players even further since it is so simple to falter as they present real challenges Maresca noted.
Each campaign sees sides unexpectedly defeated by lower division opponents like those from League Two or League One so staying vigilant and making correct decisions is essential.