Enzo Maresca update as internal issues emerge, Chelsea press conference scheduled
Enzo Maresca prompted shock and confusion with his comments on a “complicated week” following Chelsea’s win over Everton on Saturday.
Chelsea beat Everton 2-0 at Stamford Bridge, with Cole Palmer and Malo Gusto finding the net for the home side.
After the game, however, the Blues boss said “the last 48 hours have been the worst 48 hours since I joined the club”, in a surprising moment that appeared to have come out of nowhere.
Chelsea sources have claimed Maresca’s comments were just an emotional reaction, but there have been suspicions of trouble behind the scenes at Stamford Bridge.
Decision-makers at Chelsea have been impressed by Maresca’s management this season, and will want to avoid an internal struggle with the Italian.
More to Enzo Maresca comments as problems rise to surface
Chelsea lost 2-1 to Atalanta in the Champions League on Tuesday, marking a fourth consecutive game without victory.
Saturday saw Chelsea get back on track, although Maresca‘s comments have dominated the headlines following the game.
“The effort, the open mind, the way they want to learn has been fantastic and this is the reason why I praise the players because with so many problems, they are doing very well after a complicated week,” he said.
“The last 48 hours have been the worst 48 hours since I joined the club because many people didn’t support us.
“I’m very happy for Malo in that moment, that the effort from Malo and from the rest show that they are all there and they want to help this club.”
“Worst 48 hours since I joined the club because people didn’t support me and the team,” Maresca added.
TalkSPORT reported on Sunday that the Italian’s comments stem from an internal issue that he is having at Chelsea, with his frustration having built up for some time.
Maresca has been encouraged to rotate his squad in line with Chelsea’s desire to develop the swarms of young talents who have arrived at Stamford Bridge, but the head coach believes he has been scapegoated when such decisions do not pay off.
Blues decision-makers remain calm about the situation, and Maresca is expected to clarify his comments on Monday ahead of Chelsea’s Carabao Cup quarter-final against Cardiff City.
Key run approaches for Maresca
Chelsea will not rush into any decisions. Gone are the days of Roman Abramovich‘s seeming willingness to sack a manager at the drop of a hat.
But a difficult run approaches for the Blues, and Maresca will be feeling the pressure if his side can not emerge in a good position.
| Chelsea’s fixtures | Date |
| Cardiff City (A) | 16 Dec |
| Newcastle United (A) | 20 Dec |
| Aston Villa (H) | 27 Dec |
| Bournemouth (H) | 30 Dec |
| Manchester City (A) | 4 Jan |
Following Tuesday’s trip to Cardiff, Chelsea will travel to play Newcastle United away before matches against Aston Villa and Bournemouth.
Then, at the start of January, Maresca’s side will play title-chasing Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium.
Internal problems or not, the Italian’s prospects may well be affected either way by the coming month of action.