Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has clarified his decision to bypass celebrations with the Blues’ travelling supporters following a thrilling 2-1 comeback win against Fulham at Craven Cottage on Sunday, April 20. The victory, secured by late goals from substitute Tyrique George and Pedro Neto, marked Chelsea’s first Premier League away win of 2025, but Maresca’s swift exit down the tunnel sparked debate among fans and pundits alike.
The match was a rollercoaster for Chelsea, who trailed 1-0 at halftime after Alex Iwobi’s 20th-minute strike, capitalizing on a mistake by captain Reece James. The Blues’ lackluster first-half performance drew boos and expletive-laden chants from the 3,000-strong away support, with some fans even calling for Maresca’s sacking and chanting for former manager Frank Lampard. However, the mood shifted dramatically in the final 10 minutes as 19-year-old Tyrique George equalized with his first Premier League goal, followed by Neto’s stunning stoppage-time winner.
While Chelsea players and coaching staff reveled in the jubilant scenes with fans, Maresca’s absence was conspicuous. Addressing the media in his post-match press conference, the Italian coach insisted his early departure was not a snub but a deliberate choice to let his players take the spotlight. “The players deserved to celebrate with the fans,” Maresca said. “It was a nice moment for them. I was very happy because it’s a great feeling to win like that, but I left the pitch early to give them that moment.”
Maresca’s explanation comes amid a strained relationship with sections of Chelsea’s fanbase. The former Leicester City boss has faced criticism for his tactical approach, with some supporters frustrated by the team’s inconsistent performances and perceived lack of attacking flair. Sunday’s match saw tensions boil over, particularly in the first half, as fans voiced their discontent. Despite the comeback, Maresca remained pragmatic, downplaying the significance of the win in the broader context of the season. “The goal from Pedro doesn’t change the season,” he said. “It’s already a good season, but we’re still fighting for Champions League spots.”
The victory propelled Chelsea back into fifth place, keeping their hopes of Champions League qualification alive. However, the match was not without controversy. Maresca received a yellow card for his exuberant celebration of Neto’s winner, his third booking of the season, resulting in a one-match touchline ban for Chelsea’s next Premier League fixture. Additionally, the Blues suffered a blow with a muscle injury to defender Malo Gusto, who limped off after a strong second-half performance. Maresca described the injury as “not good,” casting doubt on Gusto’s availability for upcoming matches.
Maresca’s substitutions proved decisive, with George’s impact off the bench highlighting Chelsea’s emerging talent. The teenager’s equalizer sparked wild celebrations, and Maresca praised his contribution, hinting at more minutes for the young star. “Tyrique gave us extra energy when he scored,” he noted. However, his decision to leave out £52m signing Christopher Nkunku from the matchday squad raised eyebrows, with some fans speculating about the forward’s future at Stamford Bridge.
As Chelsea navigate a critical phase of the season, Maresca’s relationship with the fans remains under scrutiny. While the Fulham win alleviated some pressure, the Italian’s reserved demeanor and tactical choices continue to divide opinion. For now, Maresca appears focused on the bigger picture, emphasizing the team’s progress despite the challenges. “We’ve not been in Champions League spots for the last three years,” he said. “This win keeps us in the fight.”