Enzo Maresca launched a fiery response to Chelsea’s critics after the Blues secured a top-four finish with a crucial victory over Nottingham Forest, defiantly telling doubters to “eff off” following their hard-fought success.
Levi Colwill’s decisive strike at the City Ground sealed a 1-0 win, ensuring Chelsea’s return to the Champions League next season—a feat many had written off earlier in the campaign. Maresca, who faced relentless scrutiny over his young squad’s inexperience, took clear satisfaction in proving the naysayers wrong.
“I never doubted these players,” Maresca declared. “The doubt came from outside—all those ‘experts’ who claimed we were too young, not good enough, or that we’d only make it if Aston Villa slipped up. They said we couldn’t win here because we lacked experience. Well, turns out they were all wrong.”
With a smirk, he added: “So, in English, you’d say: ‘Eff off’ to every one of them. These players deserve that. Their effort has been incredible.”
Chelsea’s triumph also saw them etch their name into Premier League history, officially becoming the youngest squad ever with an average age of 24 years and 36 days, breaking Leeds United’s 24-year-old record (24 years, 162 days in 1999-2000).
Maresca emphasized the significance of the win, pointing out: “City lost here. Arsenal drew here. Liverpool drew here. But Chelsea won. That tells you everything. People judge us only on results—had we lost today, they’d call this season a disaster. But it wasn’t. It was a success.”
Meanwhile, Nottingham Forest boss Nuno Espírito Santo rued missed opportunities as his side fell just short of a Champions League dream.
“We didn’t achieve what we wanted,” admitted Nuno. “The first half was strong, we created chances, but one goal changed everything. The players have improved massively, and the club is in a good place. Despite the disappointment, it’s been a season of progress.”
Chelsea’s victory not only silenced critics but also marked a statement of intent—proving that youth and resilience can defy expectations when it matters most.
