Enzo Maresca: Chelsea boss says he is ‘happy’ but wounds still open after ‘worst 48 hours’ claim

Appointed in July 2024, Maresca feels he has outperformed other managers who have faced a rebuilding job when joining a major Premier League force, such as Mikel Arteta at Arsenal, Jurgen Klopp previously at Liverpool, and even Ruben Amorim at Manchester United.

Amorim has had strong public backing despite his struggles.

The initial comments from Maresca came while hands-on owner Behdad Eghbali was overseas, with sporting directors Paul Winstanley and Laurence Stewart stepping in to lead in his absence alongside other key staff.

Chelsea‘s aim this season is to qualify for the Champions League and challenge in cup competitions, while they are still not entirely out of the Premier League title race.

When Maresca joined Chelsea, he was told he would be assessed at the end of his second year. Predecessor Mauricio Pochettino did not pass such a review following his first, after not agreeing with the future direction at the American-owned club.

In the case of Maresca, Chelsea privately accept emotional outbursts can happen after tense matches.

It has also been explained that he is speaking his third or fourth language, as an Italian who speaks Spanish at home with his family.

All sides accept the current situation is not ideal but expect to work through it. From Chelsea‘s perspective, disagreements are normal in football, but making them public is not.