Some of Chelsea’s best players—like Cole Palmer, Moises Caicedo, Enzo Fernandez, and Levi Colwill—now get to play in the Champions League.
Image credit: ChelseaHQ
Chelsea’s manager, Enzo Maresca, had something to say after their 1-0 win against Nottingham Forest.
Even though he used a strong word (but didn’t fully say it), he made his point clear:
“I didn’t have any doubt about the players. The doubt was from outside.”
Why This Win Was Important
The winning goal came from young defender Levi Colwill, who scored near the goal post. He celebrated with Chelsea fans.
Everyone knew this goal was big—it helped Chelsea qualify for the Champions League, one of the biggest football competitions in Europe.
The club’s top owners, Todd Boehly and Behdad Eghbali, were seen celebrating on the field too.
This is the first major success Chelsea has had since famous owner Roman Abramovich and coach Thomas Tuchel left the club.
Even though some people inside the club said it wasn’t the most important goal, making the Champions League still means a lot—both for reputation and money.
The tournament could earn Chelsea around £80–100 million!
Chelsea has spent about £1.7 billion building a very young team—average age just over 24 years.
Many people questioned if they were ready. Maresca disagreed. He said:
“I didn’t have any doubt about the players. The doubt was from outside. All the ones that have the answers or the ones that have the truth, they were saying that we are too young, we are not good enough, they were waiting for Aston Villa to drop points for us to achieve the Champions League.
“They were saying that we were not able to win on this pitch because we are too young, because we are not experienced.
“Unfortunately for them, they have all been wrong. All the ones that have the truth and have the answer to everything.
“So in English, how you say? [expletive deleted] to all of them, because the players deserve that. The effort they have been doing is fantastic.”
Why Wasn’t Maresca Under Pressure?
Even before the match, Maresca’s job was safe. Chelsea’s bosses gave him a five-year contract and still believe in him.
They know injuries caused problems earlier in the season.
But they also look at the stats—Chelsea was second in the league for missed chances and fifth in expected goals.
That means the team is creating chances, even if not scoring all the time.
The owners admire how Arsenal and Liverpool improved slowly under their managers. Chelsea hopes to follow the same path with Maresca.
Keeping the Team Together
Some of Chelsea’s best players—like Cole Palmer, Moises Caicedo, Enzo Fernandez, and Levi Colwill—now get to play in the Champions League. Maresca said:
“Absolutely yes, I don’t think Cole is the only player who deserves, I think Moi [Moises Caicedo] also, Enzo Fernandez and Levi Colwill deserves Champions League. We have many players in terms of status deserve to play in the Champions League.”
This is good news because these players might want to stay now.
Earlier in the season, less-used players like Christopher Nkunku, Joao Felix, and others were only playing in smaller games and weren’t happy.
Now, everyone may get a chance to play in bigger matches.
Do the Owners Care About Champions League?
Fans have had mixed feelings. In December, they cheered saying “we’ve got our Chelsea back,” but by February, some were upset again.
There were small protests about things like ticket prices and how the club is run.
Even so, owner Todd Boehly said at a business event:
“It’s like owning anything [there are highs and lows]. This one is a little more in my face, but the good thing is the bad news is good news. It means people care.
“The level of competition is ferocious but it means the margin for error is so small.”
Does This Help Chelsea With Money Rules?
Yes. Playing in the Champions League brings in a lot of money—up to £100 million. That helps with financial rules the Premier League follows.
Chelsea had trouble finding a shirt sponsor this year because they weren’t in the Champions League. Now they are talking to new sponsors.
Chelsea also made some smart moves—like selling hotels and moving the women’s team under their parent company—to stay within the rules.
They are also playing in the Club World Cup this summer, where they can earn more money.
What’s Next for Chelsea?
Chelsea still wants to sign a new striker, a winger, and maybe a defender.
