Enzo Maresca has asserted that it is Chelsea’s “duty” to qualify for the Champions League.
The Blues dropped valuable points on Sunday in their bid to finish in the Champions League places when they were held to a 0-0 draw at Brentford.
Maresca’s decision to make changes from the side which beat Tottenham 1-0 on Thursday appeared to backfire. The Italian left the likes of Cole Palmer and Nicolas Jackson on the bench, with both only featuring as second-half substitutes.
Chelsea know that finishing fifth will almost certainly see them into the Champions League for next season.
However, the fourth-place Blues have not won in eight straight away league games and have the likes of Manchester City, Aston Villa and Newcastle hot on their heels.
“For sure, it will be very important,” Maresca said of finishing in a Champions League berth.
“I have said since day one that our duty, our target, is to bring this club where this club has to be — and that is Champions League.
“Since we started, we have been there — always top four or top five, for part of the season we were second. Since day one, we were there, and hopefully we can finish there.”
While Brentford had the better chances against Chelsea, it was the Blues who had more shots. Maresca felt his side deserved to win.
“Overall, I think we played a good game. It is a tricky stadium and a tricky game. They [Brentford] tried to kill the tempo of the game.
“I think we did enough to win the game. We shot more than 20 times. The only thing missing was the goal.”
