Enzo Maresca has sent a pointed message to Chelsea supporters online after he was at the centre of crowd frustration during Sunday's 1-0 win against Leicester City. Despite claiming an important victory in the race for Champions League qualification, discontent grew at Stamford Bridge.
Marc Cucurella's goal was enough to earn the three points for Chelsea but that came after angst from the stands had been vocalised throughout.
"What's the matter with you?" they said. Maresca then celebrated the team's goal with a glare at the same area which the shout had come from.
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After the game, when asked about Stamford Bridge being quiet and groaning at Maresca suggested that supporters need to be more considered. "The people have to understand this is our way, our style and this is the way we are going to play," he told reporters.
"When a team creates the amount of chances we created today, you have to be happy. It's not easy." Maresca added that "the good thing is that Fernandez knows that if he doesn't play back, I will change him. If the 'keeper plays long, I will change him. This is what we have."
He was further pressed on the home fans, saying that the atmosphere is 'different' to others he has experienced. "I completely understand when there is some negative feeling but today, how many chances did we create first half?" he questioned. "The second half, exactly the same. The players were giving everything. It's normal because they don't see behind [the scenes]."
Online, the reaction to Maresca's words has continued to cause a divide.
Chelsea are at home again later this week as they take on FC Copenhagen in the Conference League last-16 second-leg.
Chelsea are currently fourth in the Premier League, two points above Manchester City in fifth place as they look to secure a place back among Europe's elite next season. They are also only two behind Nottingham Forest in third and could cut the gap to Arsenal to three points with a win at the Emirates Stadium in six days.