For Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca, Craven Cottage could be the worst ground to head to right now.
Chelsea take on west London rivals Fulham at their place Sunday afternoon with the pressure really starting to mount.
The Blues have fallen behind in the race for Champions League qualification and are not happy with what they are seeing from Maresca and the team at present.
Chelsea fans were furious with Maresca during the 2-2 draw with Ipswich Town last Sunday, and there will be nowhere for the Italian to hide at Craven Cottage if things do not go to plan — quite literally.
Enzo Maresca has to walk past Chelsea fans at Craven Cottage
The location of the away end and tunnel at Craven Cottage means Maresca will have to go past the Chelsea fans to get to the changing room.
If the Blues are losing at half-time, then, supporters will have the perfect opportunity to let the Italian know exactly how they feel.
Journalist Kieran Gill pointed out: “Craven Cottage has the potential to be awfully awkward for Enzo Maresca tomorrow. No shortcut to the tunnel. Has to walk past the echoing away end at half time and full time. If it all goes t— up, no hiding from the flak. Simply, Chelsea need to win.”
Tottenham Hotspur manager Ange Postecoglou has already clashed with his own fans this season and you now have to wonder if something similar could happen with Maresca given how close he will come to his supporters at Craven Cottage.
Be it at half-time or full-time, the Chelsea head coach will have nowhere to hide all thanks to the structure of Fulham’s stadium.
You cannot blame the Stamford Bridge faithful for being so frustrated with Maresca right now. Maresca has made some astonishing decisions of late, even having right-backs Reece James and Malo Gusto both playing in midfield at one point.
Update on Enzo Maresca’s future
Going into the Fulham game, Maresca’s position as Chelsea manager looks safe, though it will be interesting to see if that remains the case should his side fail to qualify for the Champions League.
However, as of now, Chelsea want to continue with Maresca, according to the reliable Fabrizio Romano.
The Blues remain in the Conference League, reaching the semi-finals earlier this week, so there is still so much to play for.
