Chelsea director Jonathan Goldstein has insisted that under-fire head coach Enzo Maresca is "100%" safe in his position despite a poor run of results in recent weeks.
The former Leicester City head coach's side were tipped as surprise title contenders not that long ago, but they have since slipped down the Premier League standings over the winter months.
Last week's harrowing 3-0 loss to Brighton & Hove Albion left the Blues in sixth place in the division, just one point off the top four but a staggering 18 behind leaders Liverpool, who have played a game more.
Chelsea were also dumped out of the FA Cup by Brighton before also being slain by the Seagulls in the Premier League, and Maresca has only masterminded three victories from the Blues' last 11 matches in all tournaments.
The Italian's future has inevitably been called into question thanks to Chelsea's plight, although reports last week stated that Maresca retained the full backing of Todd Boehly and the rest of the board.
Chelsea director praises Maresca's "great job" at Stamford Bridge
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Those claims have now been confirmed by Goldstein, who told Bloomberg TV - via the Daily Mail - that Maresca's job was fully secure, and he also hailed the work that the ex-Foxes boss has done in West London so far.
"100 per cent," Goldstein replied when asked if Maresca would continue as head coach for the rest of the 2024-25 season. "He's doing a great job.
"Chelsea started the season very well. The last six weeks have been, you know, finding their feet a little bit more. But Enzo has clearly done a great job in bringing the team together, bringing the talent through. We're very optimistic for the rest of the season in how that plays out."
Chelsea committed to a long-term project when they hired Maresca, who signed a five-year deal upon his arrival in the English capital last year and therefore does not see his deal expire until 2029.
The Blues would have to pay a hefty severance package to Maresca if they decided to fire the 45-year-old, who has won 21, drawn seven and lost nine of his 37 matches in charge of the Blues.
What do Chelsea have left to fight for this season?
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The Premier League title may now be out of the question for Chelsea, but a top-four position remains a realistic aim for Maresca's team, even in their current attacking state.
Marc Guiu and Nicolas Jackson are both expected to remain out injured until after the international break, while Noni Madueke also picked up a fresh hamstring problem at the Amex last week.
As well as a top-four finish in the Premier League, the Blues will soon resume their quest for Conference League glory, having finished first in the league phase with a perfect record of six wins from six.
Chelsea will face one of Gent, Copenhagen, Real Betis or Heidenheim in the last 16, the draw for which takes place on Friday, one day before the Blues travel to face Aston Villa in the Premier League.
Ben Knapton
