Maresca says Chelsea have ‘the pace you need to reach the Champions League’

Enzo Maresca says Chelsea must remain ‘focused on us’ as they prepare to host Manchester United in a clash that could prove decisive in the race for Champions League qualification.

The Blues sit fifth in the Premier League table ahead of Friday night’s meeting at Stamford Bridge and know that two wins from their final two games would likely secure a top-five finish.

“If someone told us at the beginning of the season we’d need to win the last two games to reach the Champions League, we’d have taken it,” Maresca said.

Despite a 2-0 defeat at Newcastle United last weekend, the Italian believes his team are in a strong position.

“In the last 10 Premier League games, we’ve taken 20 points,” he added. “That’s an average of two points per game. That’s the pace you need to reach the Champions League.”

Maresca admitted there is disappointment in having slipped down the table after spending much of the campaign in the top three, but insisted expectations have naturally evolved.

“Since March, we’ve been around the top four or five – so it’s normal that the target becomes finishing there,” he said.

“At the start, the club said two years to get back to the Champions League. If we do it now, it’s even better.”

He dismissed the idea of obsessing over Manchester United’s struggles this season, saying his focus remains internal.

“It’s not about whether it’s a good time to play them,” Maresca said. “It’s about us. We need to do our job, not worry about theirs.”

Nicolas Jackson’s red card against Newcastle has forced Maresca to consider alternative options in attack, although Maresca admitted his choices are limited.

He acknowledged Jackson’s mistake but believes it is part of the learning curve.

“Nico is intelligent enough to recognise the error,” Maresca said. “Everyone makes mistakes, but we must avoid repeating them.”

On Enzo Fernandez’s development, Maresca praised his tactical understanding and end product.

“He has improved off and on the pitch,” he said. “I’ve no doubt he’ll improve even more next season.”

Chelsea will be without Christopher Nkunku again, but Reece James has recovered from illness and returned to training.

With Champions League football and the Europa Conference League still in play, Maresca sees the run-in as an opportunity.

“I enjoy the pressure,” he said. “It’s our job. We all know what’s at stake. Let’s see where we end up.