Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca launched into an explosive press conference following his team's crucial 1-0 victory at Nottingham Forest, which secured fourth place and Champions League qualification for the Blues.

The fuming Italian boss let rip at critics who had doubted his youthful side throughout the season, even dropping an expletive in front of stunned reporters and his young daughter, whom he had brought into the press room.

Chelsea's win at the City Ground marks their return to Europe's premier competition after a two-year absence, achieved with one of the youngest squads in Premier League history.

Maresca, 45, has faced widespread criticism from fans and pundits all season, with his playing style often coming under fire, but the victory provided him with the perfect opportunity to respond to his detractors.

Enzo Maresca has faced criticism this year with his side's playing style

"I didn't have any doubt to be honest about the players," Maresca said in his passionate outburst. "The doubt was from outside."

The Chelsea manager didn't hold back as he addressed his critics directly.

"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," he added.

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Enzo Maresca's side qualified for the Champions League on the final day of the season

Maresca was particularly incensed by suggestions that Chelsea would only qualify for the Champions League if Aston Villa dropped points, and that his inexperienced team wouldn't be able to win at the City Ground.

"Unfortunately for them, they have all been wrong. All the ones that have the truth and have the answer to everything.

"So in English, how do you say? Eff-off to all of them!"

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The triumphant manager highlighted how his team had succeeded where other top clubs had struggled at the City Ground this season.

Maresca also pointed out: "City lost here. Arsenal drew here. Liverpool drew here. Chelsea won. It's not easy. The players showed how good they are.

"Today, in case we were not able to win the game, probably all of you judge this season a disaster, but it was not a disaster."

Chelsea owner Todd Boehly celebrates with manager Enzo Maresca

Maresca emphasised the unity within the club despite external criticism, adding: "We have all been going in the same direction - the noise was more from outside than inside.

"From January onwards we played many good games, today we achieved an important target for this club and we're happy."

Chelsea will now turn their attention to Wednesday's UEFA Conference League final against Real Betis in Poland, with Maresca noting their confidence is soaring.

"Now from tomorrow we start to prepare for the Wednesday final and then it's time to prepare for next season," he said.

"For sure we deserve to play in the best European competition and that is the Champions League. If we are able to win on Wednesday, overall we can say it has been a very good season."

Meanwhile, Nottingham Forest manager Nuno Espirito Santo expressed disappointment after his side's season ended without a win in their final four home games.

Despite this, Forest finished with 65 points, more than double last season's tally of 32.

"We are disappointed. But in a couple of hours you will look back and realise it's been a good season," Nuno said.