Chelsea fans face ‘biggest regret in their history’ over Enzo Maresca: ‘This is going to happen’
Enzo Maresca has been linked with a shock move to take over Manchester City if Pep Guardiola departs this summer.
Guardiola is set to have an influence on who replaces him at Manchester City, and the Spaniard has publicly expressed his support for the Chelsea boss.
Speaking just weeks ago, the former Barcelona head coach dubbed the Italian as “one of the best managers in the world“, and said that he does not get enough credit.
Maresca’s Chelsea future has been plunged into doubt in recent days following his comments about the higher-ups at Stamford Bridge.
After his side had beaten Everton, Maresca said that the last 48 hours had been the worst since he joined Chelsea, in an outburst clearly directed at those above him.
Chelsea fans fume after Enzo Maresca news
Maresca‘s comments clearly demonstrated his unhappiness with some internal developments at Chelsea, but fans did not suspect that the Italian’s job could be in doubt.
News on Thursday has thrown his future into serious doubt, however, with David Ornstein reporting that the 45-year-old is high among candidates to replace Guardiola.
The Spaniard has not yet confirmed his intentions ahead of next summer, but suspicions are growing that this could be his last season in the Premier League.
Manchester City are advancing contingency work ahead of the possibility, with former assistant Maresca high on the list of favoured candidates.
Chelsea fans reacted furiously, with one claiming: “We would be the biggest laughing stock if he leaves us and joins City”.
Another described the possibility as “the biggest regrets of our lives“, with others pointing towards the hierarchy’s failure to appreciate “Maresca’s value”.
User Ali slammed the Blues for their treatment of the Italian and demanded that the “chuckle brothers”, likely referring to sporting directors Paul Winstanley and Laurence Stewart, back him.
Maresca reveals contact with Chelsea board still lacking
Despite the managerial chaos that has engulfed Chelsea in recent days, Maresca’s squad beat Cardiff City on Tuesday to qualify for the Carabao Cup semi-final.
Alejandro Garnacho netted a brace, with Pedro Neto getting the other to confirm a two-leg meeting with Crystal Palace or Arsenal in the next round.
But speaking after the game, Maresca did nothing to dispel the rumours surrounding his relationship with the Chelsea board.
Asked if he has had any contact following his comments on Saturday, he said: “No, as I said yesterday, the day after Everton, I started to prepare Cardiff, focus on Cardiff. Now I just said, on the bus I will watch Newcastle, and I didn’t speak with one of them.”
Chelsea will travel to Newcastle United on Saturday, with a developing story off the pitch likely to continue to dominate the headlines.