For Chelsea Football Club, the strides taken this season are profound. They’ve made history reaching the semi finals of the Conference League and have rekindled hopes of a Champions League qualifying place. The club’s journey took a pivotal turn with a thrilling late victory against Fulham on Sunday, where Pedro Neto’s 93rd-minute goal secured a 2-1 win in a crucial derby match.
The team’s primary objective remains clear: to secure a place in next season’s Champions League. Chelsea has missed out on the Champions League the last two seasons. For this season, they have been firmly planted in the prized qualifying spots. With this latest win, Chelsea sits fifth in the Premier League and has set its sights firmly on a Champions League berth.
For Chelsea, the match against Fulham was crucial on all fronts. After going behind at half-time, Tyrique George brought the side level, setting the stage for Neto’s second-half winner to add further drama. This huge victory changed the morale of the players. It provided them an opportunity to celebrate with their portable fans, who had expressed their displeasure by booing the team at half-time.
Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca looked back on how the season has gone so far, and stressed that wherever they find themselves positioned should be considered a good thing. Regardless of the victory, he stuck to his guns in that his view on the season hasn’t changed.
“Personally, the goal from Pedro (Neto) doesn’t change my view of the season.” – Enzo Maresca
Maresca put it all into perspective by saying that Chelsea has been occupying a Champions League place all season. That’s a big turnaround since their two year retreat from the race.
“I said three or four days ago, and I will repeat, Chelsea in the last two years have never been in the Champions League spots and this season we spent all season there,” – Enzo Maresca
He told us the fourth season is shaping up to be one of the best. As good as that is, it becomes “very good” if they win a Champions League berth.
“So today’s win doesn’t change my view. It’s already a good season and can become very good if we finish in the Champions League spots, no doubt.” – Enzo Maresca
Having just retaken the league lead with the victory, Maresca was happy for the win and the importance it held for players and supporters alike.
“I was very happy, first of all because it’s a nice feeling to win the game at the end. But I think it was a moment for the players because they deserve to share that moment with the fans,” – Enzo Maresca
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