Enzo Maresca fired back at Chelsea’s critics after guiding the youngest team in Premier League history to a top-four finish and a return to the Champions League.
A 1-0 win away to Nottingham Forest on Sunday, secured by a second-half strike from Levi Colwill, clinched fourth place for the Blues and ended a two-year absence from Europe’s elite competition.
The average age of Chelsea’s starting XI this season was just 24 years and 36 days—a Premier League record.
“I didn’t have any doubt about the players,” Maresca said post-match. “The doubt was from outside. They said we’re too young, not good enough. Unfortunately for them, they’ve all been wrong.”
Chelsea began the day in a five-way battle for three Champions League spots. After holding their nerve at the City Ground, Maresca and captain Reece James both spoke of defying widespread skepticism.
“So many people said we were too inexperienced, not ready,” James said. “But here we are.”
Maresca credited club unity for their strong finish, saying the squad, board, and technical staff were “all going in the same direction” throughout a season marked by external noise but internal belief.
Owner Todd Boehly embraced Maresca at full-time, underlining boardroom support for the Italian’s debut campaign.
For Nottingham Forest, the loss stung but did not erase an otherwise impressive season. Expected to be in a relegation scrap, Nuno Espirito Santo’s side exceeded expectations to finish seventh, earning a place in the UEFA Conference League.
“We’re disappointed,” Nuno admitted. “But after a few hours, we’ll look back and realise it’s been a good season.”
