Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca says he welcomes the pressure of needing to win the final two Premier League matches to secure Champions League qualification.
Currently fifth in the table, Chelsea are level on points with Aston Villa but only ahead on goal difference, and just one point clear of Nottingham Forest, whom they face on the final day of the season.
Chelsea had a strong start under Maresca, but a dip in form—with just five wins in 16 league games between December and April—has left their top-five finish uncertain. Despite the pressure, the Blues have reached the Europa Conference League final, where they will face Real Betis on May 28.
Reports suggest Maresca’s position is safe regardless of their Champions League outcome.
Speaking ahead of Friday’s clash with Manchester United, Maresca said, “The pressure is for all of us. It’s for the club because from day one we’ve said our duty is to return Chelsea to where it belongs—top four, top five, the Champions League.”
He added, “If you told us at the beginning of the season we’d need to win our last two games to make the Champions League, we’d probably take it. We’ve had great moments this season—being second and third for a while. Now it’s about finishing strong.”
Chelsea’s task is complicated by the suspension of Nicolas Jackson following a red card in the 2–0 loss to Newcastle. With Christopher Nkunku injured and Marc Guiu lacking match fitness, Maresca faces a shortage of natural strikers.
Asked about deploying wingers like Pedro Neto or Tyrique George in central roles, Maresca said, “Against a back five, I prefer a real nine—you need that threat in behind. Without one, we’ll have to adjust. A false nine works better against a back four. This is just the situation we’re in.”
