Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca declined to comment on his lack of support from the club.
After Saturday’s win over Everton, the Italian was asked to explain his claim that the two days leading up to the game at Stamford Bridge had been the “worst 48 hours” for him, but he dismissed multiple questions about who his comments were directed at.
Speaking live on Sky Sports ahead of Tuesday’s Carabao Cup quarter-final away to Cardiff, he was clearly irritated by demands to understand the meaning of his comments, which have fueled intense speculation that he was targeting the club’s owners and sporting directors.
“I’ve already talked about that and I have nothing to add,” he said.
“Tomorrow is Cardiff, please. I think I’ve been pretty clear, no more.”
“Of course I am.”
Enzo Maresca asked if he is committed to Chelsea
“I respect your (media) opinion. I respect the people’s opinion as well. But again, I have nothing to add. My focus is on tomorrow’s game and whether we can reach the semi-finals for the third time in 18 months since joining the club.”
“We’re now in an era where everyone can express their opinion. I respect other people’s opinions. I have nothing to add. I’m only thinking about tomorrow.”
Tuesday, December 16th 7:30pm
Kickoff at 8pm
He also reiterated that he was not referring to the club’s fans when he mentioned the lack of support: “I said after the game that I love Chelsea supporters. They deserve the best recognition.”
Maresca, who is under contract until 2029 with an option for a further one-year extension, was asked about his commitment to the club in light of the abuse.
When asked if he was happy and contributing to the club, he replied: “Of course I am.”
Use Chrome Browser for a more accessible video player
Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca surprised the media in his post-match press conference by describing the last 48 hours as the worst in the club’s history, despite a 2-0 home victory over Everton.
“A disturbing quote from Maresca”
Sky Sports’ Jamie Carragher talks about Sky Sports News:
“Something is wrong at Chelsea.
“I don’t know if this situation has been brewing for some time or if it’s something that has happened in the last week or 10 days, but to quote Maresca, who said he didn’t have much support for 48 hours in the aftermath of the defeat at Atalanta:
“If you’re a Chelsea fan, those are worrying words.
“I’m a big fan of Maresca, but it seems like there’s a bit of a power play going on, which never bodes well, especially for a manager.
Asked if it would probably be a one-way trip, Mr Carragher added: “That seems likely.”
Use Chrome Browser for a more accessible video player
Free to watch: Highlights of Chelsea vs. Everton’s Premier League victory
All is not well behind the scenes at Chelsea
Kaveh Solhekol of Sky Sports News:
“It is now clear that all is not well behind the scenes at Chelsea. Enzo Maresca was given multiple opportunities on Monday to deny that there were problems between himself and those reporting to him at the club, but he said nothing meaningful.”
“What he didn’t say was just as important as what he said Saturday night.
“Maresca is clear that he still stands by his claim that ‘many people did not support him and the team’ after last Tuesday’s 2-1 defeat against Atalanta.
“Maresca has refused countless opportunities to reveal who these ‘many people’ are, but he admitted he was not talking about Chelsea fans.
“This will only make the media and Chelsea leadership a target for his incomprehensible comments.
“With a basic process of elimination, it’s clear that Maresca is talking about people inside the club because he has a good relationship with the media, especially with the reporters for the Chelsea game.
“Maresca is clearly unhappy with what happened after Chelsea’s loss to Atalanta. It is common for Chelsea’s co-sporting directors Paul Winstanley and Lawrence Stewart to give a full report after every game.”
“The loss to Atalanta was Chelsea’s fourth game without a win and Maresca obviously had questions to answer about his performance and his decisions before and during the game.
“The bottom line is that Maresca happily accepted Chelsea’s management structure when he took over 18 months ago, but now he feels he doesn’t get the support and respect he deserves.
“But by making his concerns public, even remotely, he is playing a dangerous game. There is usually only one winner in these situations, and it is often not the manager or head coach.”
Watch Cardiff v Chelsea in the Carabao Cup quarter-final this Tuesday on Sky Sports Football and Sky Sports Main Event from 7.30pm
