Head coach Enzo Maresca is convinced that the team's overall performance this season has fully demonstrated its ability to qualify for next season's Champions League. However, he also knows that only a successful conclusion and a successful berth in Sunday's game can truly make this effort meaningful.  

Chelsea have been in the top five of the Premier League table for most of the 2024/25 season, and have only failed to stay in the Champions League qualifying zone twice since the end of October. However, the competition at the top of the table is extremely fierce, which means that even with only one game left, the team cannot guarantee that they will be in the top five at the end of the season.  

On Sunday we face Nottingham Forest, one of five teams vying for the three remaining Champions League places in the Premier League. Enzo Maresca says both teams have proven their worth, but admits it would be a shame if the team failed to achieve its goal.  

Enzo Maresca said: "Nottingham Forest has shown a very high competitive level. If we can maintain our current state, we are fully qualified to compete for the championship. Looking at the whole season, we have been in the top four or five, which is enough to prove our strength. However, now we have one last game to go all out."  

“I’m a little disappointed because from a statistical point of view, we are one of the teams that created the most chances, but we also missed the most chances. At present, our defensive performance ranks third in the league. Overall, I believe the team’s performance is enough to ensure that we can enter the top four or top five, and the data also supports this. We are still competitive enough to strive to achieve our expected goals.”  

"I think we performed well enough on both offense and defense to qualify for the Champions League. But the reality is that we can only accept the current ranking. Next, we will do our best to finish the season in the best condition."  

Enzo Maresca stressed the importance of the match and ensured the players were aware of the atmosphere they could face at the City Ground on Sunday. Although it will be a rare experience for some of the young players, he expressed confidence that they will be able to adapt and cope with the game.  

The coach and players will do their best to win the Champions League qualification and the upcoming UEFA Confederations Cup final. But he said that no matter what the final result is, he is pleased with the team's growth this season.  

Enzo Maresca said: "For some players, this may be the most important game of their career, but we also have some young players who have participated in key events before. All the players fully understand the importance of this game, so there is no need for additional motivation, they already know the importance of the game."  

"This is the last game of the season and maybe the most crucial one. Some people will feel more relaxed, some will feel more nervous, but it's a natural reaction."  

“Of course, if we can do well in both competitions at the same time, winning the Champions League and the league, it would be a huge honour and achievement for the club, the coaching staff and everyone involved.”  

"It would be disappointing if we don't qualify for the Champions League, but it doesn't change anything. We've proven 100% this season that we're on the right track. Even so, if we don't, we'll work even harder next season. We sincerely hope to win the league title and if that goes well, everyone will be very happy."