Chelsea’s promising midfielder, Romeo Lavia, has responded with some pointed words for Sky Sports pundit and former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher, who doubted the Blues’ mettle to secure a Champions League berth. Carragher had publicly stated his scepticism about Chelsea’s character prior to their crucial clash against Nottingham Forest, suggesting the young side might falter in their quest for European football.
In a display of resilience and determination, Enzo Maresca’s side silenced their critics by carving out a hard-fought 1-0 victory at the City Ground, thereby confirming their return to the continent’s premier club competition after a three-year hiatus. Following their triumph, Lavia took to Instagram, teasing the pundit in a series of playful posts, including one with Carragher appearing exasperated with his head in his hands.
The Belgian international, who notably turned down a move to Carragher’s beloved Liverpool back in 2023 in favour of Chelsea, showcased his delight alongside club owner Todd Boehly, hinting at the success of the club’s audacious transfer strategies.
Maresca, invigorated by the season-defining win, did not shy away from addressing the scepticism that has surrounded his youthful squad. Passionately defending his players, he said, “I had no doubts about the lads. The questions came from outsiders who claimed we were too young, lacking the needed experience. To all the critics, an English phrase comes to mind: ‘Eff off.’ The boys have been fantastic.”
Remarkably, Chelsea have set a new Premier League record for fielding the youngest side throughout the season, with an average age of just 24 years and 36 days, surpassing the previous benchmark set by Leeds United in 1999-2000.
Reflecting on the significance of their result at Forest, Maresca noted, “City lost here, Arsenal drew, Liverpool drew, and Chelsea won. It’s no easy task. The players have shown their quality.”
As Chelsea rejoice in their Champions League qualification, this triumph stands as a testament to their resolve amid external doubts, setting the stage for a promising chapter in the club’s illustrious history.
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