Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has claimed that his side "need more support" on the pitch after they were held to a 2-2 draw against Ipswich Town.
The Blues went into Sunday's Premier League fixture looking to reclaim a spot in the top four of the standings having witnessed Manchester City beat Crystal Palace earlier over the weekend.
However, despite making a positive start, Chelsea soon found themselves two goals down to the Tractor Boys, who ended the afternoon sitting 14 points adrift of safety.
Although Chelsea would battle back in the second half to earn a share of the spoils, it is a result that will be viewed as two points dropped in the race for Champions League qualification.
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Maresca shows frustration with supporters
Speaking at his post-match press conference, Maresca insisted that Chelsea would not have conceded a second goal at that point if a long ball had not been played.
Fans have shown their impatience for Chelsea continuously playing out from the back under Maresca, as well as being largely reluctant to play direct football on occasions.
When speaking to reporters, Maresca appeared to point the finger at the club's fanbase for their negative reaction to the brand of football that he insists on deploying.
As quoted by football.london, Maresca said: "We started well and created chances. They scored the first goal and it completely changed the dynamic of the game. For 20-25 minutes, we were not good enough and conceded two goals. Then in the second half, we were back in the game.
"It's tough because even in the first 20 minutes, at this stage of the season, if you are not able to score the first one then the game completely changes.
"We conceded and it was not good enough for different things. In terms of I think we lost confidence because we conceded because of the environment. Our goalkeeper plays short and then he goes long for the second goal because of the environment [the fans]."
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Maresca added: "For sure, not [wanting to see Sanchez go long] but I understand. Sometimes you go long, it doesn't mean you are going to control something. We are stronger with our fans and we are a better team. It's up to them to decide.
In response to a later question, he said: "I didn't say the environment is an issue for us. Today, in the moment where we are in a difficult moment, you can expect them not to be happy but in the same moment, we need them. The players need more support on the pitch."
Trouble ahead for Maresca?
Maresca has previously stated in the past that any players showing a preference for long balls will be dropped, that reason sometimes used when attempting to defend a player who had made a mistake leading to a goal.
However, despite Chelsea remaining within three points of third place in the Premier League table and on the brink of the Conference League semi-finals, he is at risk of alienating himself from supporters.
Although Chelsea have sometimes played eye-catching football, they have been frustrating since the turn of the year in equal measure, their attacking football often lacking a cutting edge.
With Maresca possessing a five-year contract, Chelsea see him as their long-term head coach, and his unwavering belief in his philosophy is coming across in his media briefings even if it creates tension with the fanbase.
All being said, it is essentially Maresca's way or the highway. That said, if Chelsea fail to qualify for the Champions League and do not win the Conference League, most supporters will feel that his position is untenable.
Darren Plant
