Maresca’s future at Chelsea decided even if the Blues fail to make UCL

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca will remain at Stamford Bridge next season even if the Blues fail to qualify for the Champions League.

The recent report disclosed that Chelsea hierarchy, led by co-sporting directors Paul Winstanley and Laurence Stewart, want to retain the 45-year-old Italian until the summer of 2026.

The decision comes amid doubt on whether the Blues will finish in the top-five on the Premier League table following their 2-0 defeat at Newcastle on Sunday.

With two game remaining in the Premier League season, Maresca’s side are at the fifth spot, and are only ahead of Aston Villa on goal difference, with matches at home to Manchester United and away at seventh-placed Nottingham Forest to come.

Maresca’s result in his first season in charge at Chelsea, after joining from Leicester City in June 2024, could make the Blues keep him.

This season the top five in the EPL will qualify for the Champions League after the English top flight earned an extra spot because of its teams’ strong performances in Europe.

Chelsea are still also in the Europa Conference League and are set to play Real Betis in the final in Wroclaw, Poland, on May 28.

The Blues are likely to retain Maresca who they signed on a five-year contract.