Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has defended his team’s progress this season despite their early exits from both domestic cup competitions.

As the Blues prepare to face Brighton for the second time in a week, Maresca remains optimistic about their Premier League campaign and long-term objectives.

“I don’t think what we have done can be no good because what we have done is there,” Maresca said when discussing Chelsea’s recent form.

Chelsea have won only twice in their last five league games and were knocked out of the FA Cup fourth round by Brighton last weekend. However, Maresca insists their overall journey this season remains positive.

“I think, unfortunately we are out of both domestic cups. Our journey in the Premier League has been fantastic until today and in the Conference League. We will try and finish in the best way we can. Don’t forget in the last two years Chelsea have never been in the top four and we have spent this season in the top four. We will try our best to finish where this club needs to be.”

Maresca also clarified that a top-four finish was never the club’s immediate objective, emphasizing that Chelsea’s project is a long-term one.

“I didn’t say our target was top four – the club never said that. The target was in two years to play Champions League, not in one year.”

Looking ahead to Chelsea’s Premier League clash with Brighton, Maresca expects another intense battle.

“I expect a similar game because it is not just against us, but in all the games they try to be aggressive. I expect a very similar game.”

With Chelsea aiming to bounce back from their FA Cup defeat, Maresca will be hoping for a strong response from his squad when they face Brighton again.