Enzo Maresca reveals details of a 100-PERSON meeting at Chelsea – as he admits he ‘couldn’t sleep’ in bid to ensure players knew his season aims

Chelsea Football Club is currently positioned sixth in the Premier League standings as they prepare to face Aston Villa on Saturday. With only a few points separating them from the top five, they are well aware that securing a spot in next season’s UEFA Champions League will likely require at least a fifth-place finish.

Previously, inconsistent messaging from the club left many Chelsea supporters uncertain about the team’s ambitions for the current season. However, manager Enzo Maresca has now provided clarity on their objectives. He emphasized that Chelsea has spent the majority of the season within the top four, and with only 13 games remaining, their primary goal remains securing a Champions League qualification spot.

Maresca also shared insights into a motivational meeting he organized at Chelsea’s training facility, Cobham. In an effort to boost morale and reinforce the importance of teamwork, he gathered all staff members—ranging from kitchen workers and groundskeepers to kit managers—at precisely 10 a.m. He wanted his players to recognize the unseen efforts of those working behind the scenes to support them. As an example, he highlighted the kitchen staff who arrive in the early hours of the morning to meticulously prepare their meals, ensuring they have the best possible nutrition before training and matches.

Recalling his decision to hold the meeting, Maresca explained that it had been weighing on his mind for some time. He recounted how, on one particular night, he struggled to sleep, waking up between 4 and 5 a.m. with the realization that it would be beneficial to bring everyone at the club together to align their efforts towards a common goal. That morning, he messaged Kevin Campello, Chelsea’s head of first-team operations, instructing him to gather all personnel in the canteen at 10 a.m.

During the meeting, Maresca addressed his players directly, pointing out that when he arrives at Cobham early in the morning, he sees staff members diligently preparing their breakfast. He emphasized that these workers, despite often going unnoticed, play a crucial role in helping the team perform at their best. He urged the players to acknowledge and appreciate the collective effort behind their success, reinforcing the idea that everyone must push forward together to achieve their goal of returning Chelsea to the Champions League.

Since his appointment last summer, Maresca has maintained a consistent message about his ambitions for the club. However, this meeting marked the first time he explicitly stated that Chelsea is actively pursuing a top-four finish. He acknowledged the delicate balance of managing expectations, noting that when a manager speaks about ambitions after a victory, they are perceived as humble. In contrast, repeating the same message after a defeat can be interpreted as a lack of ambition.

Addressing any doubts about his competitive mindset, Maresca made it clear that he has never lacked ambition. He reiterated that he is not at Chelsea merely to “survive” but to win matches and restore the club to a position where they can compete for major titles. Aware that other top clubs like Arsenal and Manchester City are also dealing with injury concerns, he assured fans that Chelsea would continue to fight for every possible victory, regardless of their own setbacks.

The team faces further challenges ahead of their clash with Aston Villa, as winger Noni Madueke has joined an already extensive injury list that includes Nicolas Jackson, Marc Guiu, Wesley Fofana, and Romeo Lavia. Despite these difficulties, Maresca remains committed to leading Chelsea towards their ultimate goal of securing Champions League football for next season.