Chelsea have recently dropped out of the top four, with their Champions League prospects all of a sudden looking far bleaker than they did a few weeks ago.
Enzo Maresca has downplayed expectations all season, even when many were putting the Blues in a title race alongside Liverpool back in December.
The consensus is that the owners are happy with the Italian in charge, however John Obi Mikel has already argued that Maresca would be sacked already if Roman Abramovich was still running the club.
Chelsea’s first team squad have come in for plenty of criticism of late. The likes of Jadon Sancho have frustrated supporters with their performances recently.
A lot of money has been spent on the squad with the intention of taking the project into the future, however players of this calibre are wanting to compete amongst the best in the Champions League.
The Blues currently sit sixth in the league, and even though it looks like there will be five places handed to Premier League sides this season, Maresca needs to get a tune out of his underperforming side to bolster their prospects.
| Position | Team | Played MP | Won W | Drawn D | Lost L | For GF | Against GA | Diff GD | Points Pts |
| 3 |  Nottm ForestNottingham Forest | 25 | 14 | 5 | 6 | 41 | 29 | 12 | 47 |
| 4 |  Man CityManchester City | 25 | 13 | 5 | 7 | 52 | 35 | 17 | 44 |
| 5 |  B’mouthBournemouth | 25 | 12 | 7 | 6 | 44 | 29 | 15 | 43 |
| 6 |  ChelseaChelsea | 25 | 12 | 7 | 6 | 47 | 34 | 13 | 43 |
| 7 |  NewcastleNewcastle | 25 | 12 | 5 | 8 | 42 | 33 | 9 | 41 |
| 8 |  FulhamFulham | 25 | 10 | 9 | 6 | 38 | 33 | 5 | 39 |
| 9 |  Aston VillaAston Villa | 25 | 10 | 8 | 7 | 35 | 38 | -3 | 38 |
It could be key to them keeping hold of their top stars this summer too. Simon Phillips claimed on his Substack that at least one unnamed top player will consider his future should they miss out on Champions League football.
He said: “Sources have confirmed that many of the current Chelsea players in the squad have either become unhappy with playing time and have been looking to leave as a result of that, or have become restless with recent results and are therefore thinking about their futures come the end of this season.
“These players want to play Champions League football, and I have heard from top sources that if they do not get that come the end of THIS season, there will be a few key players approaching the club to speak about their futures and potentially asking for moves away.
“Of course, they may not get said moves away and there will be a lot of other things that depend on it, such as clauses, or if they even have them. But I know of one top Chelsea player in particular who is already now considering his future at the club should they not make Champions League football this season. In respect of my source, I will not name the player, but he is not the only one thinking that way.”
Enzo Maresca’s biggest problem as Chelsea chase Champions League
At this stage, the most obvious issue with the Chelsea squad is how there is not a recognised fit first team striker.
Nicolas Jackson is set to be out until April, and while it would be a lot of pressure on youngster Marc Guiu, he is also set to miss the next few weeks at least.
Maresca has deployed Christopher Nkunku as the recognised centre forward in the two games since their injuries, however he has not impressed so far.
It may be time for the boss to look to the impressive pool of talent in the academy. Donnell McNeilly has earned his chance after an excellent goalscoring campaign so far.
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