Two victories against a struggling Manchester United and an unpredictable Nottingham Forest would likely guarantee the Blues at least a fifth-place finish in the Premier League, a significant step toward Europe's elite competition.

Enzo Maresca, Chelsea's head coach, has been vocal about the progress made this season. "How many times in the past two years have Chelsea been in the Champions League places? This season we have been there almost all season. It's an improvement," he said after a recent match. Indeed, Chelsea have already equalled their points tally from last season under Mauricio Pochettino, with games to spare.

However, failure to qualify for the Champions League could put Maresca's position under intense scrutiny. Despite his assertions of progress, recent reports on X from sources close to the club suggest a growing divide among Chelsea's hierarchy. Some decision-makers have expressed concerns over Maresca's slow, possession-based style, which has frustrated fans and reportedly contributed to a dip in form for star player Cole Palmer.

Maresca's impact cannot be entirely dismissed. Chelsea have developed a clear identity for the first time since Thomas Tuchel's departure, with players like Moises Caicedo rediscovering their best form. Caicedo, once overshadowed by his hefty transfer fee, has re-emerged as a dominant midfielder. Similarly, Enzo Fernandez and Marc Cucurella have shown marked improvement, while Noni Madueke and Levi Colwill continue to develop.

Yet, the style of play remains a sticking point. Early in the season, Chelsea were thrilling, with Cole Palmer and Nicolas Jackson leading a dynamic attack. Since the turn of the year, however, their performances have often been laboured, prompting boos from the Stamford Bridge faithful.

Chelsea's owners, BlueCo, have publicly committed to a long-term vision, moving away from the hire-and-fire culture of the Roman Abramovich era. Maresca's supporters argue that his system, coupled with two or three key signings, a striker, a goalkeeper, and possibly a centre-back, could propel Chelsea toward a title challenge.

However, the club's transfer strategy, which prioritises young talent over immediate impact players, has drawn criticism. Fans remain sceptical after several underwhelming signings in recent windows.

The Europa Conference League offers another route to silverware, but sources on X indicate that even success there might not secure Maresca's future if the team's style fails to inspire. As one club insider posted, "Trophies matter, but so does entertaining football. We need both."

With the season nearing its climax, Chelsea are at a crossroads. Will they clinch a Champions League spot and rally behind Maresca's vision, or will missed opportunities and fan discontent force BlueCo to reconsider their stance? The answers lie in the matches ahead.

Ange Postecoglou eyes Europa League glory amid Tottenham's struggles