Chelsea’s Champions League qualification chances for next season are hanging by a thread after their recent loss to Newcastle United. The Blues are currently sitting in fifth place in the Premier League table, courtesy of a superior goal difference.
Enzo Maresca’s men are set to host Manchester United next, before their final game against Nottingham Forest at the City Ground. They can’t afford anything other than a win in both of these matches.
Chelsea’s overall season has been somewhat of a mixed bag so far. They are through to the final of the Conference League and are favourites to lift the trophy. The Blues are also on pace to qualify for the Champions League next season, as of now.
However, Chelsea have looked unconvincing on several occasions throughout the season in crucial matches. One week, Chelsea beat the champions, Liverpool, 3-1 with ease, and the next, they lost 2-0 to Newcastle United, putting a question mark on their Champions League spot.
Chelsea hero Joe Cole makes controversial Enzo Maresca sack claim
Qualifying for the Champions League has been Chelsea’s top priority this season, having failed to appear in the competition in the last two seasons. While the fans are nervous, that objective is still in their own hands. But if they fail, will that be the end of Maresca at Stamford Bridge?
Recently, former Chelsea player Joe Cole also weighed in with his opinion. He has given his verdict on whether the club should sack Maresca in the event that the club fails to qualify for the Champions League.
Cole said while speaking on The Dressing Room Podcast (via Chelsea News):
"Even if he (Maresca) missed out on Champions League football by a point, I think there’s been progress.
“It would be stupid to think we’ll change it up again. This is a process. Chelsea’s project – I think not next season but the season after – Chelsea have to be competing and challenging for all trophies, the Champions League and the Premier League."
Chelsea have already matched the previous season’s point tally with two games remaining. They can also win the Conference League as they face Real Betis in the final. So it’s fair to say that the Blues are in no way worse than last season.
That being said, there are causes for concern as well. Under Mauricio Pochettino last season, the team had grown over the course of the campaign and finished looking like a genuine top-four quality side, even if they finished sixth. This time around, the story has been very different.
Chelsea have struggled badly in the second half of the campaign, after having looked like potential title contenders in the first few months of the season, which is why they are still uncertain about their spot in the Champions League. Also, Maresca's inability to get the best out of Cole Palmer has left fans worried. Then there is the style of football, which has often felt uninspiring and lacking ideas when things are not going right.