'F off' — Maresca fires at Mikel Obi and other Chelsea's critics after clinching UCL qualification

Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca had strong words for the critics of his team after they beat Nottingham Forest to clinch Champions League qualification.

The Blues' youth-obsessed transfer strategy has been comprehensively criticised by the media and ex-pros like Mikel Obi, who has urged the clubs to sign established players. Maresca’s squad has been slated for their rawness and inexperience, and after they achieved their season’s objectives by beating Forest, he fired at his detractors.

Chelsea secured a 1-0 win over Nottingham Forest, claiming fourth place in the Premier League and qualifying for the UEFA Champions League. 

The Blues' defence was resolute in maintaining a clean sheet against the Tricky Trees, and in poetic fashion, a defender, Levi Colwill, scored the decisive goal after a misjudged header from Neco Williams.

The win marked a successful campaign for Enzo Maresca, with Chelsea earning a fifth win in the last six matches, underscoring their grit and determination in the final run-in of the campaign. 

Speaking after the game, the Italian tactician reportedly took a shot at Chelsea's critics, saying, "In English, I would say ‘F off' to all of them,” according to ESPN's James Olley. 

He also spoke about his team's growth and how they improved from finishing outside the top four under Mauricio Pochettino last season. 

"They grow a lot as a team and a player and they showed how good they are today,” he said, per the BBC. “We brought this club where it has to be. We finished sixth last year and most of the time, they forget that.”

"The only thing I knew was when Man United scored their second one. They told me 2-0. We didn't need the rest to drop points; we won."