Is the Chelsea manager under pressure?
A few weeks ago Chelsea appeared to be in a confident place.
However, things can change very quickly in football
Author | Lewis W
In November, they sat third in the Premier League and had recently swept aside Barcelona at Stamford Bridge in the Champions League, a performance that seemed to underline clear progress under Enzo Maresca.
December brought a sharp change in mood
Just one league win punctured that sense of momentum, and results alone have not been the only source of concern. Questions have also been raised about Maresca’s relationship with the club’s hierarchy.
The Italian surprised senior figures and members of his own staff after that lone December victory, a 2-0 home win over Everton, when he spoke of “many people” having caused his “worst 48 hours” since arriving at the club. The comments came after a strong performance and three points, but they were poorly received by those above him, who felt the remarks were directed at them.
Even so, there was no immediate fallout. Calm heads prevailed and the intention remained to carry out an end-of-season review before deciding whether to continue with Maresca or go in a different direction.
Chelsea’s form has since deepened the unease. One win from the past seven league matches has left them closer to 15th place, seven points away, than to third, now nine points distant. The slide has inevitably sharpened the focus on the manager’s position.
A testing run lies ahead
Chelsea travel to Manchester City next, without the suspended Moisés Caicedo, at the start of a demanding month that also features Arsenal and Napoli. January, then, is likely to prove decisive.
The club’s central aim remains Champions League qualification, a target that is still within reach with Chelsea fifth on 30 points after 19 games. Cup competitions also offer opportunity, with a Carabao Cup semi-final to come, but the margin for error is narrowing.
