It was no surprise that Enzo Maresca’s press conference ahead of the EFL Cup quarter-final was dominated by talk of the comments he made after the win against Everton.
It was a real shock that the 2-0 victory, marked by Cole Palmer’s first Stamford Bridge goal of the season, culminated in talk of the Italian not being happy with the treatment he had received amid a four-game run without a win.
Enzo Maresca’s explosive ’48 hours’ rant has everyone talking 😶
Who do you think the Chelsea boss was referring to?
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It later emerged that there was feud ongoing between Maresca and the Chelsea hierarchy, with there some chiefs at the club beginning to become fed up with some of his antics.
When pushed to clarify his comments, the boss didn’t try and explain himself, instead making it clear that he said what he meant, and wished to move forwards.
Chelsea Training and Press Conference
Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
It was notable that the official Chelsea app cut the stream on multiple occasions after Maresca was asked about his prior comments.
Chelsea fans had a lot to say regarding his latest quotes, with many predicting that the tension between the two parties is not going to disappear from here.
One user said: “Fully respect Enzo Maresca for doubling down and owning his comments, especially as I’m sure the club have told him to sweep it up. How this ends though, I don’t know. But always stick to your beliefs, fair play to him there.”
Another added: “2 things I took from that – Maresca is happy to get the boot and Chelsea trying to cut the feed multiple times says all you need to know.”
A third claimed: “Do find it interesting Maresca used the terms of Chelsea fans ‘deserve the best’ & referenced high standards when you play or manage Chelsea + highlighting several times that a win tomorrow would be our 3rd semi-final in just over a year with him in charge. Reminds me of Conte.”
Another stated: “The truth is out: There is massive tension between Maresca and the board. 1 wrong move for Maresca and he will be sacked.”
Finally, one user said: “That was one damaging press conference. It is now well and truly confirmed that Enzo Maresca’s relationship with Chelsea’s hierarchy is somewhat ruined. The fact that, Maresca hasn’t given a proper answer to cool the situation, says a lot about this entire fiasco.”
Do you think Chelsea can win the Premier League with Enzo Maresca? 👀
If not, who can bring the title back to Stamford Bridge?
Paul Winstanley with Chelsea owner Todd Boehly
Photo by Catherine Ivill – AMA/Getty Images
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Maresca’s future at stake
There are no immediate concerns of the manager being sacked. however the next game against Cardiff could prove vital.
The Blues are heavy favourites to reach the semi-finals of the League Cup against League One opposition, and are likely to rotate heavily again.
Cole Palmer will not feature for the Blues, and if Chelsea go out because of their rotation policy then questions will be asked of the manager.
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