Even when second in the league during the first half of the season, the Italian refused to suggest that his team were title contenders and he has repeatedly insisted that the club never set the top four as an immediate goal during negotiations last summer.
Enzo Maresca has at last set his Chelsea players the public target of finishing in the top four this season as he bids to silence criticism over a lack of ambition.
However, they remain sixth, just one point behind fourth-placed Manchester City and level with Bournemouth in fifth, with England looking increasingly likely to secure an additional Champions League place for next season.
“Since day one, I joined this club and my intention was to win games, win titles and to bring this club where it deserves to be.
Those comments were viewed as defeatist, with Blues fans used to regular silverware during the Roman Abramovich era, and, combined with his refusal to go public in targeting the Champions League, had led to accusations that the former Leicester boss is lacking in ambition.
