Enzo Maresca explains why he didn’t celebrate with Chelsea fans after late winner | OneFootball

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca says he did not celebrate with the fans after their late 2-1 win over Fulham because it was “a moment for the players”.

Late second half goals from substitute Tyrique George then Pedro Neto saw Chelsea claim a crucial win in the race for Champions League qualification.

Maresca, who showed little emotion for the Blues’ equaliser, was booked by referee Anthony Taylor for his subsequent celebration for the west London side’s winner.

The Italian then opted to head straight down the tunnel at full time, and when asked to explain his actions, Maresca said it was not his time to celebrate with the fans.

“I was very happy,” Maresca said. “First of all because it’s a nice feeling to win the game at the end but I think it was a moment for the players because they deserve to share that moment with the fans.

“So this is the reason why I left the pitch immediately and then when we scored the second one I celebrated and this is the reason why they gave me a yellow card.

“But for sure I think it was a nice moment for the players and for the fans to share that moment, it’s important and I said already many times, the players need to feel the support.”

Victory for Chelsea sees them leapfrog Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest back into the fifth and final Champions League place, with Maresca echoing his comments from earlier on in the week about how successful this season has been for his side regardless of the late win.

He said: “Personally, the goal from Pedro doesn’t change my view from the season. I said three or four days ago, and I will repeat, Chelsea in the last two years has never been in a Champions League spot and this season we spent the whole season there. So today’s win doesn’t change my view.

“It’s already a good season and can become very good if we finish in a Champions League spot, no doubt. But for sure today was an important win because first of all it’s a derby, second it gives us the chance to be there and probably was the most difficult win and the reason why is because they all played yesterday, so for us it was a must-win game.”