Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca has delivered a clear message to fans and critics alike – the Blues are still aiming high, even if the goalposts have shifted slightly over the course of the season.

With just eight Premier League fixtures remaining, Maresca has reiterated his desire to end the campaign strongly, targeting a top-four finish that would secure Champions League football and reward the team’s progress under his guidance.

“The target is to try to finish where we have been all season,” Maresca said. “In the first five or six months, because we were second, the expectations changed a little bit. But all season, we have been in the top four or five, and we will try our best to finish there.”

It’s a refreshing dose of realism from the Italian coach, who has overseen a period of significant development at Stamford Bridge. With a young, evolving squad, Chelsea have shown moments of brilliance this season, especially in games where they’ve been allowed to express themselves.

Maresca pointed to Chelsea’s performance against Tottenham as a standout, noting it was one of their better displays. Yet, he also expressed satisfaction with other matches, especially those where the opposition sat deep and made life difficult – recognising the tactical challenges that come with breaking down low blocks.

This blend of optimism and pragmatism has defined Maresca’s first season at the helm. He understands the pressures that come with managing a club like Chelsea, but he’s not letting that distract from the bigger picture – steady progress and a return to Europe’s elite competition.

For Chelsea fans, the message is simple: the Blues are building something special, and while the title may be out of reach this season, the top four remains very much in sight. With fixtures running out and every point counting, the final stretch promises to be a thrilling ride.