Enzo Maresca urges Chelsea fans to trust him amid growing frustration

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has called on the club’s increasingly disillusioned fanbase to “trust” him and his preferred style of play, despite growing criticism over the team’s patient, possession-based approach.

The Blues were held to a disappointing 2-2 draw against Ipswich Town on Sunday, prompting dissent from a group of supporters who have grown frustrated with Maresca’s tactics.

However, the Italian coach remains confident in his methods, citing the team’s strong defensive and attacking statistics.

Maresca pointed to Chelsea’s strong position in the table, sixth place and just one point adrift of the top five, as evidence that his approach is working.

“I think it’s quite clear that the direction is the right one,” he said. “The style is the right one.” Maresca also highlighted the team’s defensive and attacking numbers, noting that they have been one of the top teams in both areas.

Despite Maresca’s confidence, fan frustration is growing, with some supporters protesting against the club’s ownership group and increasingly turning their ire towards the team and Maresca himself.

The Chelsea boss acknowledged the fans’ concerns, saying, “If fans complain because after four minutes our keeper gave the ball away, if I am one of the fans, I also complain.” However, he emphasized that the team’s approach is planned and that fans need to trust the process.

Chelsea’s players are rallying behind Maresca, with right-back Malo Gusto saying that the team needs to get the fans behind them and show that they are “here to win everything.”

Gusto acknowledged that fan frustrations are understandable, especially after the team’s performance against Ipswich.

However, he emphasized that the team is committed to Maresca’s style and will continue to work hard to get the fans on their side.

Maresca will have the opportunity to win over the fans when Chelsea hosts Legia Warsaw in the second leg of their Conference League quarter-final on Thursday.

A strong performance and positive result could help to ease fan frustrations and demonstrate the effectiveness of Maresca’s approach.

With the team’s support, Maresca is confident that Chelsea can achieve great things and bring success to the club.