Featured Image Credit: Sky Sports - Chelsea FC
Topics: Chelsea, Champions League, Premier League, Jamie Carragher, Liverpool
Jack Kenmare
Topics: Chelsea, Champions League, Premier League, Jamie Carragher, Liverpool
Jamie Carragher has been targeted by a Chelsea player after the former Liverpool defender suggested that the Blues would not have the "character and personality" to secure Champions League football.
It was a weekend to remember for Enzo Maresca, who secured Champions League qualification in his first season in charge at Stamford Bridge after his side secured a 1-0 win over fellow contenders Nottingham Forest.
Maresca was clearly delighted with his team's performance on Sunday and after the full-time whistle, the Italian aimed a not-so-subtle message to those who doubted his team.
"I didn’t have any doubt about the players," he said. "The doubt was from outside. All the ones that have the answers or the ones that have the truth, they were saying that we are too young, we are not good enough, they were waiting for Aston Villa to drop points for us to achieve the Champions League.
Advert
"They were saying that we were not able to win on this pitch because we are too young, because we are not experienced."
Never one to hold back, Maresca then told the critics to "eff off" as he continued to praise his players.
"Unfortunately for them, they have all been wrong," the 45-year-old added. "All the ones that have the truth and have an answer to everything. So in English, how you say? “Eff off” to all of them, because the players deserve that. The effort they have been doing is fantastic."
In the build-up to Chelsea's much-anticipated visit to the City Ground, a number of pundits questioned whether the Blues could get over the line.
“I think Chelsea and Nottingham Forest might both miss out," said Jamie Carragher on Sky Sports. "I can see that being a draw at the weekend. I’m not sure Chelsea have got the character and personality to go there and win.”
Gary Neville added: ”They [Nottingham Forest] will give Chelsea a tough day, 100%. I’m not sure Chelsea can go there and win, I’ll be really honest with you. I think if Aston Villa win, they’ll get into the Champions League because I think Forest will take points off Chelsea.”
Shortly after a second-half goal from Levi Colwill sealed Champions League football for Chelsea, midfielder Romeo Lavia took to Instagram to post several pictures, including one of Jamie Carragher with his head in his hands.
Here's how fans on social media reacted to the scenes.
One said: "Carragher’s 'Chelsea don’t have the character' barb definitely made it to the dressing room. It’s obvious with Lavia’s post and Maresca’s interview. Thanks @Carra23."
A second wrote: "Romeo Lavia told Carragher to talk LESS. NEXT," and a third added: No way Lavia posted Jamie Carragher."
Thoughts on Chelsea securing a Champions League spot? Let us know in the comments.