‘Chelsea DESPERATE for Champions League!’ Maresca insists Blues are READY for fight | OneFootball

Enzo Maresca has insisted his Chelsea players are up for the fight in their remaining 11 Premier League games, with the race for the Champions League places very much on.

The Blues returned to winning ways in their last league fixture against Southampton at the end of last month and backed up that result with a 2-1 success over Copenhagen in their Conference League knockout tie on Thursday.

It has eased tensions slightly at Stamford Bridge with Chelsea currently occupying the final Champions League position and Maresca has made sure his players are fully aware of what is at stake for the remainder of the season.

“From now on, they are all important games,” Maresca explained.

“For sure we are focused on Leicester 100% and then after this one, we have 10 more. The important thing is that we realise and we understand that from now on, every game is important, because in case you win, you can build momentum and you can see yourselves top four, top five, in the Champions League spots.

“In case you don’t win, probably you don’t see yourself there in the top four, top five but it’s how you manage the emotions until the end.

With Leicester facing the threat of relegation, Maresca believes they will put up an even greater challenge, with desperation playing a key part in both sides needing results to achieve their own targets.

“Every team is playing for some target,” Maresca added.

“The ones who are fighting relegation, they are desperate. The ones who are playing for European spots, we are desperate. The ones who are playing for the title, they are desperate.

“From now on, every game counts for a lot and hopefully we can continue to win games.”

In a timely boost for Maresca, midfielder Romeo Lavia has returned to first-team training and is likely to play an important role for Chelsea in the final months of the season.