Chelsea risk missing out on Champions League qualification if Enzo Maresca doesn’t fix problem inherited from Mauricio Pochettino

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Even though Chelsea were dumped out early in both domestic cup competitions this season, they can still make it a successful campaign if they do well in the next few months.

It was very disappointing to see Chelsea bow out of both the FA Cup and the Carabao Cup in the fourth round stage.

In particular, the Blues were extremely poor in last weekend’s defeat away to Brighton in the League Cup. Many Chelsea players underwhelmed versus Brighton as they slipped to a 2-1 defeat at the Amex Stadium.

Now, the pressure is on Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca to guide his side to success in the two remaining competitions they’re active in.

First and foremost, the Premier League campaign and the race for Champions League qualification is hotting up. Also, they’re favourites to win this season’s Conference League tournament, which would complete the European set for them.

However, there’s a glaring weakness that Maresca needs to try fix…

• READ MORE: What Chelsea owners are thinking about Enzo Maresca after FA Cup exit and poor Premier League form

Chelsea risk missing out on Champions League qualification if Enzo Maresca doesn’t fix issue inherited from Mauricio Pochettino

It’s becoming more and more obvious that Chelsea’s backline is a real problem this season. In fact, it could be the difference between them qualifying or not qualifying for the Champions League.

As it stands, the Blues do sit fourth in the Premier League table, which would be enough to get back into Europe’s elite club competition next season.

Position	Team	Played MP	Won W	Drawn D	Lost L	For GF	Against GA	Diff GD	Points Pts
1	LiverpoolLiverpool	23	17	5	1	56	21	35	56
2	ArsenalArsenal	24	14	8	2	49	22	27	50
3	Nottm ForestNottingham Forest	24	14	5	5	40	27	13	47
4	ChelseaChelsea	24	12	7	5	47	31	16	43
5	Man CityManchester City	24	12	5	7	48	35	13	41
6	NewcastleNewcastle	24	12	5	7	42	29	13	41

However, Chelsea have zero clean sheets in their previous seven consecutive league matches.

This defensive problem predates Maresca because former Blues head coach Mauricio Pochettino suffered with a similar issue last season.

As you can see above, Chelsea don’t find it easy keeping the ball out of their net in league matches. It means they’re leaving themselves with a lot of work to do in every game to earn points.

Micah Richards claims Chelsea’s defence concede sloppy goals this season, which is certainly a fair criticism of the team in general.

If the Blues can start to pick up a few extra clean sheets, we’re confident that Champions League qualification is attainable, especially because it could go to the top five clubs in the division. A stronger backline will help ease the pressure off a misfiring attack, too.

How does Enzo Maresca tighten up the Chelsea defence?

Robert Sanchez has had more than enough time trying to prove himself in net, so Filip Jorgensen should replace him for the rest of the season as the starting goalkeeper in the Premier League.

In front of the keeper, the Blues must find some consistency in their defence. Pat Nevin has urged Chelsea to stick with a settled central defence, which would go a long way to helping them out. Maresca hasn’t kept the same centre-back partnership in back-to-back games yet in 2025, so finding stability should be a big help.

As for the full-backs, the team will be strong as long as Reece James and Marc Cucurella are starting most matches.

In the long term, we suggest the club must go and sign an experienced defender to bring some much-needed leadership to the XI. The current options are capable of raising their levels and securing Champions League qualification in the next few months, though.