Premier League
Chelsea Backing Enzo Maresca Despite Poor Run Of Form
Chelsea’s start to the new season has left plenty of fans frustrated, but club bosses are not hitting the panic button just yet.
Manager Enzo Maresca, who guided the Blues to UEFA Conference League and FIFA Club World Cup glory last season, has found himself under heavy scrutiny after a string of disappointing results. Chelsea haven’t celebrated a Premier League victory since August, suffering back-to-back defeats against Manchester United and Brighton, and also falling short against Bayern Munich in the Champions League.
The Brighton defeat especially raised eyebrows, with co-owner Behdad Eghbali, sporting directors Paul Winstanley and Laurence Stewart, and other club executives present at Stamford Bridge. The game unraveled after Trevoh Chalobah’s red card, allowing Brighton to storm back with goals from Danny Welbeck (2) and Maxim De Cuyper.
Maresca’s tactical approach with 10 men has been a sticking point in consecutive games, but reports from The Telegraph suggest that Chelsea’s hierarchy remain calm. They are confident the squad can still achieve their season goals: finishing in the top four and pushing deep into cup competitions.
For his part, Maresca was blunt after the Brighton defeat: “You cannot continue to give away presents in the Premier League. Red cards are a big mistake because they change everything. We need to learn, and we need to learn quickly.”
While pressure grows from the stands, the club insists Maresca’s job is safe until at least the end of the season. With just four league defeats since February’s end, the belief is still there — but results will need to turn quickly to keep confidence intact.
Chelsea fans, do you think Maresca is the right man for the job, or should the board act sooner?
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**Title:** Croatia confirm Slaven Bilic return as former West Ham boss replaces Zlatko Dalic **Meta Description:** Slaven Bilic has been appointed Croatia head coach for a second spell after Zlatko Dalic stepped down following the 2026 World Cup. **Slug:** croatia-confirm-slaven-bilic-return-head-coach **Alt Image Text:** Slaven Bilic during his unveiling as Croatia national team head coach — # Croatia confirm Slaven Bilic return as former West Ham boss replaces Zlatko Dalic Croatia have officially confirmed the return of Slaven Bilic as head coach, with the former West Ham United manager replacing Zlatko Dalic following the conclusion of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Bilic returns to the national team after more than a decade away, ending a two-year absence from management as he begins a second spell in charge of his country. ## Bilic begins a second spell with Croatia The Croatian Football Federation (HNS) announced Bilic’s appointment after the Executive Committee unanimously approved the recommendation of federation president Marijan Kustic. Bilic previously managed Croatia between 2006 and 2012, guiding the national team through two European Championships before embarking on a successful club coaching career that included spells with West Ham United, West Bromwich Albion, Besiktas and Al-Ittihad. The federation believes his experience and deep understanding of Croatian football make him the ideal candidate to lead the next generation. ## Huge task replacing Zlatko Dalic Bilic succeeds one of the most successful managers in Croatia’s history. Dalic stepped down after the 2026 World Cup, bringing an end to a remarkable tenure that included a World Cup final, a World Cup semi-final and several memorable tournament campaigns. Federation president Marijan Kustic acknowledged the size of the challenge but expressed complete confidence in Bilic. > “I would like to once again thank Zlatko for the exceptional results he achieved during his tenure. It is not easy to follow in his footsteps, but we are convinced Slaven is the right person for this role.” Kustic added that Bilic’s international pedigree and extensive coaching experience were decisive factors behind the appointment. ## Bilic honoured to return Bilic described his return as the greatest honour of his coaching career and admitted he understands the expectations that come with leading one of international football’s most consistent tournament teams. > “I would like to thank President Kustic and the Federation’s leadership for the confidence they have shown in allowing me to lead the Croatian national team once again — the greatest honour for any Croatian coach.” The 57-year-old also praised the standards established under Dalic while insisting he is ready for the responsibility. > “I am fully aware of the high expectations that follow such a remarkable period under Zlatko Dalic, but anyone who takes charge of Croatia must be prepared for that because we are a football nation that lives and breathes its national team.” ## A new chapter begins Bilic now faces the task of building on Dalic’s legacy while preparing Croatia for the next international cycle. With a blend of experienced stars and emerging young talent at his disposal, Croatia will hope their returning manager can guide them to another successful era on the international stage.
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