Despite all the conversations around the manager at Chelsea, the Blues have booked their place in the semi-finals of the Carabao Cup following a 3-1 win against Cardiff City.
Enzo Maresca confirmed their place in the third semi-final since he took over the club, with Alejandro Garnacho and Pedro Neto amongst the goals for the Blues.
Things were by no means perfect for the Blues, and they struggled greatly in the first half to stamp their authority over their lower-league opposition.
Who was your Man of the Match against Cardiff?
Plenty of changes were made by the boss, with Marc Guiu one of those who struggled in a rare start for the first team.
Chelsea fans think Enzo Maresca proved a point to Chelsea chiefs with team selection against Cardiff
11 changes to the starting side meant it was only Moises Caicedo who was a recognised starter in the first XI in a major cup quarter-final.
Chelsea fans believed this was Maresca making the point that he does not have the depth required to rotate to the level that the sporting directors would reportedly like.
One user said: “I’m convinced Maresca lined up 80% this team full of average players just to prove a point to the SD’s.”
Another added: “That feels like a “you wanna see rotation? I’ll give you rotation” type of lineup from Maresca.”
A third stated: “This is our depth. The best player on the pitch for us is our starting DM. Anything Maresca achieves this season is by his own blood, sweat and tears. If we make top 4 it is a MASSIVE MASSIVE achievement. This is our depth after all the money we’ve spent.”
Another commented: “Is this the depth that Egbhali, Winstanley and Stewart are annoying Maresca about not using more? Buonnanote, George, Guiu, Gittens, Hato can’t even stand out against a league 1 side.”
Finally, one user said: “this is some of the squad depth winstewart gave Maresca and thought was good enough.”
Chelsea fans make Maresca stance clear
The travelling Chelsea fans made their feelings very clear that they were in support of the manager as the saga upstairs at the club continues to go on.
Maresca’s feeling the love!
Where do you stand on the Enzo Maresca saga?
Blues supporters chanted Maresca’s name throughout the game, whilst also showing their support for him after the full-time whistle had been blown.
Maresca appreciated the gestures of the Chelsea fans, with him hoping that results he delivers will continue to overshadow the talk of a rift between him and the sporting directors.
The hope will be that they can continue their particularly strong second half into the huge game on Saturday against Newcastle in the Premier League.
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