Maresca rounds on his critics

ENZO Maresca told Chelsea's critics to “F off” after his side secured Champions League qualification with a 1-0 win at Nottingham Forest.

- By JONATHAN VEAL

Levi Colwill’s goal early in the second half decided what was effectively a Premier League top-five shoot-out at the City Ground, meaning the Blues will be back in the top tier of European football again after two seasons away.

They could complete a historic season in Maresca’s first year in charge if they can beat Real Betis in Wednesday's Europa Conference League final, where they are aiming to become the first team to win all three UEFA competitions.

Despite their success, criticism has never been far away for Maresca, who has worked with the youngest team in Premier League history, and many people expected them to slip up against Forest.

Maresca was happy to shove the success down his critics’ throats.

“I didn’t have any doubt, to be honest, about the players, I said that the doubt was from outside,” he said.