Enzo Maresca’s position at Chelsea remains secure despite growing scrutiny over the club’s indifferent start to the campaign.
The Italian manager has faced questions following a run of one win in five matches, though that solitary victory came against League One side Lincoln City in the Carabao Cup.
Maresca entered the new season with his stock high after guiding Chelsea to a top four finish in the Premier League and masterminding their triumph at the Fifa Club World Cup during the summer.
At that stage, his job appeared among the most secure in English football. Yet a mixed opening to the current campaign has left the club sitting eighth in the table, seven points adrift of leaders Liverpool.
BBC Sport reports that Chelsea’s hierarchy see no cause for alarm and continue to place full confidence in the 45 year old. The club believe the negativity surrounding recent defeats by Manchester United and Brighton has been overstated.
Key figures point to the disruptive impact of their extended pre season commitments and the added strain of Champions League football as contributing factors.
Chelsea have lost only five matches since May, with four of those involving dismissals that left them playing with ten men. The board also recall that Maresca weathered a similar slump last season, when his team won just three times in twelve matches, and was ultimately rewarded with Champions League qualification.
The long term plan remains to judge Maresca at the end of the campaign, with expectations set on a top four finish and progress in cup competitions. Officials acknowledge the squad is stronger than last year, raising expectations further, but insist the season must be assessed in full.
For now, Maresca retains the firm backing of Chelsea’s decision makers.
