There is not a lot of optimism around things involving Chelsea at this time, with Enzo Maresca proving a divisive figure amongst supporters.
A dire run of form has seen them drop out of the Champions League qualification places, leaving some supporters aiming their frustration at the manager.
It is believed Maresca is safe with the owners at this point, however it feels as if that could change at any moment.
In fact, Craig Burley predicted Maresca would be sacked this summer after seeing his side drop from second in the league all the way out of the top six
Paul Merson says Enzo Maresca will be sacked if Chelsea lose to Southampton and Leicester
Given Chelsea’s poor run of form, the Blues will be actually content to see they are facing the bottom trio sides in their next two outings.
It is Southampton up first, a game where Filip Jorgensen will continue in goal after his huge error on the pitch that cost them against Aston Villa.
Paul Merson believes the next two games could be crucial in determining whether Maresca remains in a job in West London.
He said to Sky Sports: “If Chelsea don’t win their next two games, the manager won’t be there. They’re playing against two of the worst teams to play in the Premier League for I don’t know how long in Southampton and Leicester. So, if they don’t win those two games, he will do well to keep his job.
“Chelsea have got to get in the Champions League. They need the Champions League to keep players like Cole Palmer as he will want to play in that competition.”
Given the quality of the England international and how much he has done for the Blues in the last two seasons, it is clear he will be desperate to be competing amongst Europe’s elite sooner rather than later.
Maresca coy on Cole Palmer’s future
The manager was asked about the future of his star player, Cole Palmer, and whether he could be open to leaving the club should they miss out on Champions League football.
The boss was pretty coy in his response, not confirming Palmer would stay but equally proving he was focused on the task in hand.
Palmer has created chances for his teammates at a rate quicker than anyone else in the league, however is on a run of four games in a row without a contribution.
