Enzo Maresca appeared to criticise Chelsea fans for producing a pressurising “environment” which helped Ipswich take a 2-0 lead in Sunday’s draw at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea dropped points in their pursuit of Champions League football as they drew 2-2 with relegation-threatened Ipswich.
The draw left them fifth in the table but with a very difficult final six league games to come in their season run-in.
Ben Johnson scored the visitors’ second goal just 12 minutes after Julio Enciso netted the first, and the Johnson goal came seconds after Chelsea changed tack by going long with a goal-kick they had originally intended to take short.
There was a lively atmosphere at Stamford Bridge, where Chelsea’s expectant supporters vocalised their frustration at the Blues’ erratic performance against the Tractor Boys.
“We started quite well, creating chances,” Maresca said. “Then when they scored the first goal, the game completely changed. The dynamic of the game, I think for 20 to 25 minutes until [half-time], we were not good enough, especially defensively, because the two goals we conceded were from our mistakes. The team was not good enough in different things.”
“I think we lost a little bit of confidence, because we conceded, probably because of the environment,” continued Maresca, who seemed to be referring to the Chelsea fans.
“This is the moment that you have to continue doing the right things and don't change the plan. The second goal, we decide to play [the goal-kick] long, because the environment is there, and we concede the second one. You have to be strong, you have to continue with the things that you are doing.
“Sometimes you go long, [but] it doesn't mean that you are going to control something. The second goal we conceded is for that.
“In terms of fans, I said many times, we are stronger with our fans, we are a better team. It's up to them to decide the way. For sure today, probably, at 0-1, 0-2, it's normal to be the way they were. But it’s probably the moment the players need more support.”
Maresca added: “Both goals we conceded we can defend better. The first goal is from Enzo [Fernandez], long ball, lose the ball, we concede. Second one is a goal-kick, long ball, we concede. We were much more dynamic and much better, second half.”
Asked how the dropped points could impact Chelsea’s hunt to finish in the top five and qualify for the Champions League, Maresca replied: “I think we are going to win games, but at the same time we are going to drop points, because it's normal. For sure, probably today you don't expect to drop points.”
