Enzo Maresca has hit out at Chelsea ’s critics after they secured a Champions League return, telling those who doubted his young side to “eff off”. The Blues will play in Europe’s top club competition for the first time since 2022/23 after their 1-0 victory at Nottingham Forest secured a fourth-placed finish.

Enzo Maresca has had plenty of defensive headaches to manage this season. After chronic injuries to the likes of Wesley Fofana and Benoît Badiashile, Chelsea re-called Trevoh Chalobah from his loan spell with Crystal Palace in January, six months ahead of schedule.

Enzo Maresca told Chelsea's critics to "f-off" after beating Nottingham Forest on the final day to secure Champions League qualification.