Exclusive: ‘Chelsea to assign PR staff to protect Enzo Maresca after outburst’
Chelsea will need to hire PR staff specifically to protect Enzo Maresca from punishment for his quotes in the media, according to Keith Hackett.
The former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA official exclusively told Football Insider that, although he understands the manager’s frustrations, he runs the risk of facing sanctions.
After the Blues’ round of 16 clash against Benfica was suspended for almost two hours towards the end of the game, the 45-year-old labelled the situation a “joke” as the game took five hours in total to complete.
Despite Reece James‘ free-kick putting one foot in the quarter-finals for the West London side, Benfica raced out of the blocks to equalise from the spot five minutes into the six minutes of added time.
Enzo Maresca hits out at Club World Cup delays
Much like Chelsea psychologists have been tipped to work with Nicolas Jackson, Hackett believes Maresca needs a staff member to protect him from saying the wrong this in the media.
Managers are often punished for their honest, often frustrated, outbursts, with Liverpool’s Arne Slot being handed a significant ban after lashing out at referee Michael Oliver after the 2-2 draw with Everton.
While the Chelsea boss had time to cool down before his post-match conference, he unleashed his honest feelings to the room of press, with his quotes being plastered over online and newspapers.
Keith Hackett expects extra hire at Chelsea ahead of next season
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former referee said: “I can understand his frustrations. He always speaks off the cuff, and Chelsea probably should have a PR member to protect him before he makes statements of this nature.
“He needs someone who understands the frustrations, gives him advice, and takes his concerns to the tournament organisers rather than him blasting it to the media. They’re all too happy to live off the managers’ comments.”
Chelsea next kick off against Palmeiras in the Club World Cup quarter-finals on Saturday, 5 July, setting up a clash with one of Inter Milan, Fluminense, Man City or Al Hilal.