Chelsea are preparing to face off against Man City without Enzo Maresca, and Pep Guardiola was inevitably asked about the dramatic turn of events.
There won’t be another Maresca/Guardiola reunion this weekend, with Under-21s coach Callum McFarlane looking like the man who will be on the sideline for Chelsea.
The two are old friends from their time together at the Etihad, and Guardiola has always been vocal in support of Maresca.
That hasn’t changed, and the Spaniard had more good things to say about the recently departed head coach.
Enzo Maresca, Pep Guardiola and Erling Haaland
Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Pep Guardiola doesn’t sound convinced by Chelsea’s Enzo Maresca decision
Exactly who was more responsible for the collapse of Maresca’s relationship with the club is sure to be a contentious point until more information emerges.
It sounds like Maresca was growing tired of certain off-pitch elements of the job, but the decision for him to leave will have been driven by the club side.
Enzo Maresca has officially left Chelsea! Who would you like to see replace the Italian? 🤔
Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca arriving at the City Ground
Photo by Jon Hobley/MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images
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Speaking in his Premier League pre-match press conference, Guardiola kept it short.
He said (via Man City): “All I can say is that Chelsea I think, from my point of view, lost an incredible, incredible manager. Incredible person. But this decision is from the hierarchy from Chelsea so, nothing to say.”
Even from this tight-lipped response, you can tell the City boss is questioning the decision.
When asked if it was a surprise, he continued: “In football, surprise… It only confirms how lucky I am. I was and I am, in the club where I am. My club is extraordinary.”
Pep on Enzo Maresca’s links to Man City
Naturally, there was another question about his former colleague that needed addressing.
Maresca continues to be linked to Man City as the successor to Guardiola, who is rumoured to be leaving at the end of the season.
On that topic, he responded: “No idea. You have, I’m pretty sure, more info than me. What can I give you an update about an opinion that I don’t know about this opinion, it’s just a rumour. So I’m sorry. I’m not going to answer that.”
Pep said this just last month…
What do you make of Chelsea's chances on Sunday without Maresca on the sideline?
Pep Guardiola on Enzo Maresca
Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
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The City boss has been pretty outspoken lately about the media and how they twist his words — he doesn’t want to give journalists another headline.
With the timing of this news, right before Chelsea face Man City, the match was going to be dominated by this kind of talk. From Guardiola’s perspective, he’d rather focus on the football.
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