Enzo Maresca lost his ninth Premier League game as Chelsea manager over the weekend.
His side were beaten 2-0 by Newcastle United at St James’ Park, suffering a major blow in the race for Champions League football.
Maresca cannot take too much of the blame. Nicolas Jackson was shown a red card in the first half for an elbow, putting Chelsea at a huge disadvantage.
Nevertheless, it looks like some in the Chelsea boardroom are starting to have their doubts about the Italian.
Last month, the reliable Fabrizio Romano discussed Maresca’s future at Chelsea. According to Romano, the Blues have been planning for a future with the 45-year-old.
However, not everyone at the club may be on board. A report from TEAMtalk claims that there are some in the boardroom who do not think Maresca’s style of play is ideal for the Premier League.
At times, Chelsea supporters have also been unhappy with Maresca this season. For example, some Chelsea fans were heard criticising Maresca when his side found themselves 2-0 down against Ipswich Town in April.
Things have got much better for him since then. But if Chelsea miss out on Champions League qualification, he faces the wrath of not only the Stamford Bridge faithful, but also his bosses.
He has to guide his side to victory over Manchester United on Friday, which is the Blues’ penultimate game of the Premier League season.
One reason why Chelsea hired Maresca in the first place was because of his football. Co-sporting directors Laurence Stewart and Paul Winstanley were impressed by it.
Upon his arrival at the club, they told Chelsea’s official website: “We are delighted to welcome Enzo to Chelsea. He has proven himself to be an excellent coach capable of delivering impressive results with an exciting and identifiable style.”
Fast forward to now, and his style is being questioned. But with this being just Maresca’s first season in charge, he will argue that Chelsea are in a good place and that he needs a bit more time to get the team playing well consistently.
