Maresca told Chelsea supporters the club is heading in the right direction compared to the previous two seasons.

Enzo Maresca disagreed with Reece James ’ suggestion that his Chelsea side disrespected the Conference League following last night’s defeat against Legia Warsaw. The Blues progressed to the semi finals of Europe ’s third tier competition where they will face Djurgarden but, in truth, it was another dispiriting night at Stamford Bridge.

But the identity that Maresca’s trying to instill — seemingly at the behest of his superiors — is an identity that is very hard to readily engage with as a fan. And when results are not there in the end to justify the means, there’s little reason to expect that engagement to increase (at least not in a positive way).