Enzo Maresca hits out at Chelsea fans after costly Ipswich draw | OneFootball

Enzo Maresca has hit out at Chelsea fans for the "environment" at Stamford Bridge during Sunday's 2-2 draw against Ipswich Town, suggesting it was at least partly responsible for falling 2-0 behind.

Ipswich, on course for immediate relegation back to the Championship, went ahead after 19 minutes through Julio Enciso. Grumblings from Chelsea supporters became more noticeable, particularly when the team persisted with short goal-kicks that invited Ipswich to press.

With goalkeeper Robert Sanchez then seemingly relenting to the pressure from the stands, a longer kick indirectly led to an Ipswich second due to the ball flying aimlessly into midfield and Chelsea being unable to reclaim possession before Ben Johnson netted.

Chelsea eventually fought back, with Jadon Sancho ending a frustrating goal drought to equalise with just over ten minutes left. But it was ultimately a costly result in the club's hunt for Champions League qualification for the first time since 2022.

Ipswich scored a second after Robert Sanchez broke rank to kick long / Harry Murphy/GettyImages

"We lost a little bit of confidence because we conceded, probably because of the environment. This is the moment that you have to continue doing the right things and don't change plans," Maresca commented in a pointed dig at fans inside Stamford Bridge.

"The second goal we decide to play long because of the environment and we concede. So you have to be strong, you have to continue with the things that you are doing. I have said many times that if you go long, it doesn't mean that you are going to control something."

He added: "I said many times, we are stronger with our fans.

"We are a better team and it's up to them to decide the way. For sure, with the 0-1, 0-2, it's normal to be in the way they were. They have been there all season, all my way. For sure, in the moment that we are in, a difficult moment, you can expect them that they are not happy."