But Maresca’s side were held to a goalless draw that day and proceeded to win just three of their next eight league games to slip to sixth, one point outside the Champions League places.
It is claimed the board have been ‘happy’ with Chelsea’s progress under Maresca and believe they are in fact ahead of schedule as he was told he was not expected to qualify for the Champions League until next season.
Chelsea are ‘happy’ with the job Enzo Maresca has done at Stamford Bridge despite the club’s worrying slump culminating in their ‘worst performance of the season’ last time out.
Speaking after Chelsea’s humbling defeat to Brighton, ex-England defender Jamie Carragher said it would be a ‘disaster’ if the west London club did not qualify for the Champions League.
This time two months ago Chelsea were preparing to visit Goodison Park knowing a victory over struggling Everton would have sent them above Liverpool at the top of the Premier League.
