Enzo Maresca is a very straightforward character, almost to the point of bluntness, and we really respect that.
There is no bullshit in his press conferences – well, apart from the lines he’s told to spew by those above him. But straight talking can get you into trouble, and sometimes diplomacy is the right line to take.
His comments after the tense win against at the weekend, which once again saw fans in the stadium starting to moan and groan after another dire showing of sideways football, were pretty ill-judged.
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Levi Colwill talks to Enzo Maresca before being subbed off. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images)
Enzo Maresca talking about his goalkeepers.
Enzo Maresca during Conference League press conference.
He went on and on about how he had to throw out all his preparation for the game because the Foxes had decided to play a back 5 instead of a back 4. Ok Enzo, cry us a river. This is a really shocking team you’re facing at home, it shouldn’t be that hard.
His comments about the crowd’s reaction to his dire football also came off as rather patronising. Matt Law, who had been in the room for the presser, was asked for his thoughts on the London is Blue podcast.
You can see Law speaking in the clip embedded here, with these quotes coming after 30 minutes:
Maresca heading for more confrontations with fans if course continues
Defiant Enzo Maresca in his presser ahead of Aston Villa.
Defiant Enzo Maresca in his presser ahead of Aston Villa.
“He didn’t say it in a condescending voice, but I still stood there and thought ‘this is condescending,’ to be quite honest with you, the general tone of it was condescending,” Law admitted.
Law also said he understood the fan reaction to the football Chelsea were playing he called it “impossible to engage with… that’s just human nature. The crowd are quiet because they have to sit and watch the ball go sideways.”
We really want to support Maresca, but he doesn’t help himself with his style of football, and his comments like this. Will anyone care if we’re winning every game and picking up trophies? Of course not. But until we reach that point, he can expect plenty more quiet afternoons at the Bridge.