In a surprising twist, Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca appears to be on shaky ground after making enigmatic remarks seemingly directed at the club’s ownership, according to former Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney. Maresca recently characterized the lead-up to Chelsea's Premier League win against Everton as "the worst 48 hours" he has experienced since taking the helm in June 2024.
His comments have raised eyebrows, as the 45-year-old hinted at a lack of support for himself and his coaching staff without specifically naming the targets of his criticisms.
Rooney drew parallels to a recent incident involving Mo Salah, suggesting that Maresca's words were very much intentional and aimed directly at Chelsea’s board and owners. "For me, it was quite similar to what we saw with Mo Salah last week, which felt very calculated," Rooney stated during a recent episode of The Wayne Rooney Show, available now on BBC Sounds. He emphasized that Maresca is fully aware of the implications of his statements and who they are intended for, indicating that the Chelsea management will not miss the underlying message.
Currently, Chelsea stands in fourth place in the Premier League, having secured only two points from their last three matches. This disappointing run included a defeat to Atalanta in the Champions League, adding to the pressure on Maresca.
Unlike the strong public backing received by Ruben Amorim from Sir Jim Ratcliffe, co-owner of Manchester United, Rooney believes that Maresca’s recent outburst may jeopardize his standing within the club if further setbacks occur. "You have to respect the owners of a football club; they bring you in and employ you, so it's ultimately their vision that matters. I feel he has somewhat gone against that principle," Rooney commented.
It raises questions about whether there has been a falling out or if Maresca feels insecure about his position despite his past successes, including winning two trophies. "I don't see him as someone who will retract his statements easily. He has a strong passion and drive," Rooney noted. The underlying speculation suggests that Maresca might be reacting proactively to rumors about his job security, but the reasoning behind his comments remains unclear.
In light of his recent remarks, Rooney cautioned that Maresca might not receive any protective backing from the club moving forward, which could complicate matters for the coach. "Given what he has said, it would be challenging for the club to come out and protect him, which is unfortunate," he added.
For those interested, you can catch The Wayne Rooney Show on BBC Sport’s YouTube channel, as well as on iPlayer and BBC Sounds.
