A group of around 200 Chelsea fans staged a protest against the club’s ownership outside Stamford Bridge ahead of the Premier League clash with Southampton. The demonstration reflected growing frustrations among sections of the fanbase over the direction of the club under Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital.

However, Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca remained focused on his team and urged supporters to stand behind the players.

“First of all, I was focused on the game, so I didn’t know about the outside,” Maresca said when asked about the protest.

He stressed that Chelsea is on the right path and called for trust from the fans.

“The only thing I can say is that in this moment the fans have to trust us because we are in the right process and the right direction.

“I said many times that since we started, we have been top-four for most of the season. That means we’re in the right direction, the club is in the right direction.”

Maresca also highlighted the players’ dedication and efforts to restore Chelsea to the elite level of European football.

He added: “And especially, I think they have to trust the players because they’re doing a huge effort every day to bring this club where they have to be, which is in the Champions League.”

With Chelsea aiming to secure a top-four finish and return to Europe’s elite competition, Maresca’s message is clear—he believes in the project and wants the fans to do the same.