Ange Postecoglou has never been one to follow the popular narrative, and his latest defense of Enzo Maresca suggests everyone may have been looking at Chelsea’s progress through the wrong lens.
Enzo Maresca had a sour end to his time at Chelsea after falling out with the ownership. It was a disagreement with the medical department that caused the main issues, with Maresca feeling he had very little say in certain situations at Stamford Bridge.
And Maresca’s departure didn’t go down well with the Chelsea fans.
He picked up both the FIFA Club World Cup and the UEFA Conference League in the space of months, which isn’t bad going for a Chelsea side that hadn’t won a trophy since 2022.
Despite all of this, he was brushed aside at Chelsea as they turned to Liam Rosenior instead.
Settle the debate! Estevao or Bukayo Saka? 🔵 🔴
Jason Cundy discussing Estevao Willian and Bukayo Saka
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Ange Postecoglou feels people were too dismissive of Enzo Maresca
Speaking to the crew on The Overlap YouTube show, Ange Postecoglou spoke about managers who win trophies and how they’re treated.
“I rate managers who win things, mate. I think ultimately that’s what we all do.
“So, you know, Eddie won something last year, Oliver won something last year. You know, obviously, um, Arnie winning the league, Enzo, he won something. I think people are too dismissive of winning things these days, actual trophies, it’s still what it’s about.
“You know, as much as you want clubs to be competitive and financially healthy, you don’t have bus parades for healthy bank balances; you only have them for winning trophies.
“So, anytime a manager wins a trophy, I’m he’s done something cuz it’s hard, mate.”
SCENARIO: Chelsea are closing in on the signing of Yan Diomande but must sell one of their current wingers first…
Who are you sacrificing? 👋
Chelsea’s list of wingers:
Pedro Neto
Estevao Willian
Alejandro Garnacho
Jamie Gittens
Geovany Quenda (joining in summer of 2026)
Yan Diomande of RB Leipzig gestures during the Bundesliga match between RB Leipzig and VfL Wolfsburg
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Liam Rosenior is here to stay but Enzo Maresca deserved more
Enzo Maresca’s departure from Chelsea felt like a classic case of a club choosing immediate harmony over a long-term vision. While the fallout was messy, the Italian arguably deserved more patience given the success he delivered in the months leading up.
In just 18 months, Maresca did what many thought impossible. He stabilised a chaotic squad and turned them into trophy winners for the first time in years.
Beyond the silverware, he established a clear, dominant identity, with Maresca even attracting the attention of Manchester City to replace Pep Guardiola when he leaves.
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