Chelsea’s season under Enzo Maresca has been anything but straightforward. From tactical tweaks to moments of brilliance mixed with frustrating inconsistency, the Italian coach has had a turbulent first year in charge. But with the Blues still in contention for the UEFA Europa Conference League, the big question on every fan’s lips is: Will a European trophy be enough to win over the Stamford Bridge faithful?

Veteran football presenter and Senior Football Anchor on beIN Sports, Richard Keys, doesn’t think so.

In his latest blog, Keys acknowledged the raw potential of this Chelsea side but cast doubt on the squad’s mentality and their coach’s ability to harness it. “There’s no doubt Chelsea have a talented group. The problem is it doesn’t seem to matter enough to them. And Maresca doesn’t appear to know how to ‘whip’ them.”

It’s a damning verdict that will hit home with many fans who’ve watched the Blues drift in and out of games this season with alarming ease. The hunger, intensity, and urgency expected from a top-level Chelsea side have too often been absent.

Keys went even further, suggesting that Maresca may already be looking for the exit door – and that could be shaping his priorities. “If he doesn’t want out he’s got some making up to do now. Winning the Conference League might not be enough to get Chelsea fans back onside, although adding a success like that to his cv would suit him.”

The idea that Maresca might favour European glory over domestic consistency will concern fans who believe Chelsea should always be aiming for the highest league finish possible. But according to Keys, that might be exactly what’s happening. “I’ve got mates who are Chelsea fans and they’re convinced Maresca wants to win the Conference League more than a top 5 finish – because he won’t be around next season,” he concluded.

That’s a powerful claim, and it adds fuel to the speculation that Maresca’s project at Chelsea could be short-lived. For a club desperate for stability and identity, that’s a worrying possibility.

So, will the Conference League be enough? It might buy Maresca time, or give him a trophy to point to. But for Chelsea fans, who have seen European nights of the highest calibre and domestic dominance, it might take more than a third-tier UEFA competition to earn their full appreciation.