After going winless in four games, tension began to build around Stamford Bridge. A 2-0 victory over Everton in Gameweek 16 was expected to at least ease the pressure and calm the growing unrest at the club, but it wasn’t so. The headlines in the days that followed were dominated by speculation surrounding Enzo Maresca’s future at Chelsea, sparked by his post-match comments in which he described the week as the “worst 48 hours” since taking charge of the club.
When asked about Malo Gusto’s performance against the Toffees, Maresca praised his players before pouring out his frustrations. He said:
“Since I joined the club, the last 48 hours have been the worst 48 hours since I joined the club because many people didn’t support me and the team. I’m very happy for Malo in that moment, that the effort from Malo and from the rest shows that they are all there and they want to help this club.”
Ever since the interview on Enzo Maresca’s future, reports have suggested that the head coach’s comments were subtly aimed at the Blues’ hierarchy, reflecting his disappointment over what he felt was a lack of backing during the winless run.
Ex-players also weighed in on the matter as Manchester United all-time goalscorer Wayne Rooney said: “He knows exactly what he is saying and who he is aiming it at, and the board and owners at Chelsea will know it is aimed at them.”
Enzo Maresca Plays Down Transfer Speculation
The Athletic reports that this season could mark the end of Guardiola’s time at the Etihad, with Maresca among several candidates poised to take over if he leaves. But talks of Enzo Maresca’s future away from Chelsea have been quashed by the man himself.
In his press conference on Friday ahead of the Newcastle vs Chelsea early EPL kickoff, Maresca downplayed speculation about his departure from the club. He said:
“It doesn’t affect me at all because I know it’s 100 per cent speculation. In this moment, there is no time for these kinds of things, first of all because I have a contract here until 2029”
“I said many times, my focus is just about this club and I’m very proud to be here. It’s speculation. One week ago, in Italy, it was the same with Juventus. I don’t pay attention because I know it’s not true”.
Maresca, who led the Blues to their third semi-final in 18 months after beating Cardiff 3-1 in the EFL Cup, has been praised for his tactical acumen and ability to get the best out of his squad despite a challenging season where he has missed the core of his squad due to injuries.
Despite a few inconsistent results in the league, his leadership has been a stabilising factor at Stamford Bridge, earning him respect from both players and fans alike.
Looking ahead to the Newcastle vs Chelsea clash, Maresca emphasised that his full attention is on preparing his side in the best way possible for a difficult game against a strong and physical Eddie Howe team, dismissing any distractions from external speculation.
‘For me, playing at Newcastle is always difficult. Night or day, they are a very good team,’
‘Their manager is fantastic and has done a superb job for many years. They have a very strong side, especially in midfield.
‘Sandro Tonali, Bruno Guimaraes, Joelinton, [Lewis] Miley, they are all fantastic players, all international players, and they complete each other.
‘They are physically strong and very good on the ball. It’s difficult for any team to face them.’
Fan Sentiment and Player Support
Surprisingly, despite this being Enzo Maresca’s second season at the club, a small section of fans still don’t fully trust him. The “Championship manager” tag hasn’t faded, even though Maresca has done wonders with the squad at his disposal. The recent blip in form has reignited debates among critics, with some questioning if he’s truly capable of managing a club of Chelsea’s stature, claiming that he lacks the tactical acumen to consistently compete at the highest level.
Regardless, Maresca has received notable backing from both his players and a significant portion of the fan base. Many supporters on different social media platforms have voiced their trust in the head coach, emphasising their belief in his long-term vision and how much better the team would play when it is injury-free.
Within the squad, Maresca still enjoys strong backing from his players. Figures such as captain Reece James and Marc Cucurella have publicly praised the tactician for his clear ideas, careful preparation, and unwavering attention to detail, highlighting the trust and belief he has fostered in the dressing room.
The Blues captain, speaking to talkSPORT, said, “He has been amazing from the moment he came in.
“His ideas, and what he wants to do are very clear. It’s just about time now and executing so we can be the best, which is what he wants.”
Spanish Left-back Cucurella also echoed those sentiments. He said of his manager:
“He works really well and puts a lot of energy into it. He prepares the games very well, and I think he gives us ideas on how to play every weekend. We have things to do every weekend to surprise our rivals, I think. He and his staff are very good, and if we keep going this way, we have the talent. So we need to stay at this level.”
Ultimately, the combination of vocal fans and players who are in full support of the head coach provides Maresca with a strong platform to navigate the remainder of the season, reinforcing the notion that while challenges remain, the coach retains authority and confidence within Chelsea’s walls.
Conclusion
Maresca’s Chelsea Future Remains Secure — For Now
Reports suggest that when Pep Guardiola eventually departs, he may play a role in recommending the next Manchester City head coach. Internally, Maresca has always been appreciated, and speculation around him has intensified since he switched agents to Portuguese super-agent Jorge Mendes – fueling talk of a potential switch if tensions with the Chelsea hierarchy persist.
For now, Enzo Maresca’s future at Chelsea is not a cause for concern. The board continues to trust him and has no plans to part ways, and they remain fully focused on this season. With Maresca’s contract running until 2029, any departure would require significant compensation.
