Enzo Maresca ‘is not an upgrade’ as Chelsea deal savaged by ex-PL CEO
Everton’s former chief Keith Wyness has claimed incoming Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca is “not an upgrade at all” on Mauricio Pochettino.
Speaking on the new edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, the 66-year-old – who served as CEO at Goodison Park between 2004 and 2009 and now runs a football consultancy advising elite clubs – claimed Blues chiefs should “take a look at themselves” as their latest manager search comes to an end.
Football Insider revealed on Tuesday (28 May) that Chelsea are expected to appoint Leicester boss Maresca as their new manager this week.
The Italian, who achieved promotion to the Premier League with the Foxes in the 2023-24 campaign, has a £9million release clause in his contract.
Pochettino was allowed to leave via mutual consent earlier this month despite a resurgence in form which saw Chelsea finish sixth in the table last term.
Maresca ‘not an upgrade at all’ as Wyness drops Chelsea verdict
Wyness accused club chiefs at Stamford Bridge of trying to “squeeze” a young manager into a “identikit” role.
He told Football Insider‘s Insider Track podcast: “Boehly wants a young coach to execute with the squad and not be part of the player transactions.
“It looks like a deal for Maresca has moved forward, and he fits that bill.
“But we’re seeing a lot of demand on managers.
“I think it’s difficult for Chelsea, but they’re trying to squeeze someone into this identikit idea – rather than the other way around.
“I think they’ve got to take a look at themselves. They’re sticking to their guns and trying to make this happen.
“But for me with Maresca, I just don’t see how he’s any kind of upgrade on Pochettino at all.”
In other news, Chelsea in advanced talks to agree controversial £40million deal.
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