Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has declined to elaborate on his recent remarks describing the build-up to the Everton win as his “worst 48 hours” at the club, shutting down questions during his pre-match press conference.
The Italian coach, speaking ahead of Tuesday’s Carabao Cup quarter-final against Cardiff City, showed visible frustration as reporters pressed for details on his post-Everton comments, where he claimed a lack of support from “many people.”
“I already spoke about that and I don’t have anything to add,” Maresca stated firmly. “It’s Cardiff tomorrow, please. I think I was quite clear – no more than that.”
When further questioned about potential targets, including the club’s owners or sporting directors, Maresca reiterated: “I respect your opinion. I respect people’s opinion. But again, I don’t have anything to add.”
The original outburst followed Chelsea’s 2-0 Premier League victory over Everton on Saturday, ending a four-game winless run. Maresca’s cryptic reference to lacking support has sparked widespread speculation about internal tensions at Stamford Bridge.
Shifting focus to the upcoming cup tie, the Chelsea boss emphasized his priorities: “My focus is on tomorrow’s game where we can achieve a third semi-final in 18 months since I joined the club.”
Chelsea, currently fourth in the Premier League, face League One leaders Cardiff in what Maresca described as a challenging encounter against a side “playing nice football and winning games.”
This latest development fuels ongoing discussions around Maresca’s position, with the manager insisting his comments are closed while attention turns to on-pitch matters.
Enzo Maresca refused to comment on his line that the 48 hours before the Everton clash were the worst he has had at Stamford Bridge.
As the press conference grew increasingly tense, the Chelsea boss emphasized the modern media landscape: “We are in an era where everyone can say what they think. I respect people’s opinions. I don’t have anything to add. My focus is just on tomorrow.”
Maresca also moved quickly to clarify that his remarks about lacking support were not aimed at the club’s faithful fans. “I said after the game that I love Chelsea supporters,” he stressed. “They deserve the best.”
The original comments came on the back of Saturday’s crucial 2-0 win over Everton, which snapped a worrying four-match winless streak. During that run, Chelsea’s performances dipped alarmingly, culminating in heavy away defeats to Leeds United and Atalanta.
Yet, before Maresca’s post-Everton outburst, there had been little to suggest anything beyond the natural ups and downs expected from the Premier League’s youngest squad as it continues to build cohesion. There were certainly no public signs of friction between the manager and the club’s hierarchy.
In fact, the past 10 weeks have arguably delivered the highlights of Maresca’s tenure so far. These include a dramatic last-gasp victory over reigning champions Liverpool and an impressive 3-0 triumph against Barcelona.
Chelsea also earned widespread praise for their resilient November display, holding title challengers Arsenal to a 1-1 draw despite playing with 10 men for much of the game – a performance that showcased a newfound grit under pressure.
However, whatever unfolded in the build-up to the Everton match, combined with Maresca’s cryptic remarks and his subsequent refusal to elaborate, has cast the season in a new light. His determination to draw a line under the topic risks only heightening speculation and intensifying scrutiny on his position at Stamford Bridge.
Enzo Maresca Reaffirms Commitment to Chelsea Amid Ongoing Speculation
When directly asked if he remains fully committed to his role as Chelsea head coach, Enzo Maresca responded with an emphatic: “Absolutely yes.”
The Italian then addressed suggestions that his post-Everton comments might have been lost in translation due to language barriers.
“I can speak Italian, Spanish very well, and French well – and English more or less,” he said. “I think when I want to say something, I am quite clear. I already spoke after the game; I don’t need to add more.”
In a light-hearted bid to end the line of questioning, Maresca added: “You can try asking in Italian, Spanish, or French so you’re all aware. It’s finished. It was after the game. Now it’s focus on Cardiff.”
Meanwhile, on team news ahead of Tuesday’s Carabao Cup quarter-final, Cole Palmer is unlikely to feature against Cardiff City. The 23-year-old star, who scored in Saturday’s win over Everton, is still being managed carefully, with Maresca previously stating that Palmer is not yet ready to play matches every three days due to his workload.
