Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca highlights the crucial role played by fans

Speaking ahead of the UEFA Conference League quarter-final second leg against Legia Warsaw at Stamford Bridge, Maresca reiterated that "football belongs to the fans".

The Blues carry a commanding 3-0 aggregate lead into the home tie, having produced an impressive performance in Warsaw. With a place in the semi-finals on the line, Maresca is urging fans to continue their passionate backing.

Chelsea remain undefeated at Stamford Bridge in 2025, and Maresca credits that record in part to the unwavering support from the stands.

With significant Premier League and Conference League fixtures still to be played at home, the Italian coach believes the fans will be central to any success.

"I think football belongs to the fans," Maresca said. "They are the main part and as a team and club, when your fans support you, I think it's important because, first of all, the players can receive that feeling, which is important.

"I think we also have to be good enough to engage them, and for 25 minutes [against Ipswich Town] we were not good enough to engage them.

"But in the first 20 minutes and the second half, the team did enough to win the game. Also, when you are 0-2 at home, it's more complicated to come back in the game, but we did that quite well.

"So, I think the fans are important because they are the main part of any club in the world."