Chelsea are having a roller coaster of a season. The win against Newcastle United was a major low as it felt like they had let Champions League football slip through their fingers. But the Blues followed that up with a 1-0 win against Manchester United, a team they have struggled to defeat in recent years, to revive their push for top five.
Now, Chelsea have it all in their own hands. A win on the final matchday, away against Nottingham Forest, will secure their spot in the Champions League.
If successful, it would definitely feel like progress. Chelsea have had their stumbles along the way. The inconsistency in this team is very clear. Cole Palmer's loss of form has to be a major worry as well. But right now, Champions League qualification and winning the Conference League are the two things that matter most.
Maresca had a lot to be happy about after the win against Manchester United. But he did not miss the chance to point out what he feels is Chelsea's biggest problem at the moment.
Enzo Maresca names Chelsea's biggest problem after win vs Man Utd
As reported by ESPN, Maresca told Sky Sports:
"For me, personally the problem is in general, you, the press.
"You think it is the same Chelsea from years ago. It is not the same.
"I don't think since I am here, we are expecting more money than other clubs. It is about building something important. People have to trust us -- we are going in the right direction."
This is certainly a different Chelsea. The club have pushed forward with a completely different identity since the change in ownership. They have relied almost fully on potential and youngsters, with little experience in the team.
Fans have not been convinced, and understandably so. After spending over a billion, the club should not have to rely on the matchday 38 result for Champions League qualification. Surely mistakes have been made along the way, but if they can qualify for Europe's top competition, it will at least raise the fans' hopes that the club are moving in the right direction. If they fail, all promises of progress and the future will sound like hollow words.