Bit by bit the mystery of who Enzo Maresca was calling out on Saturday night when he made his comments about the last 48 hours being his “worst” at Chelsea is gradually being solved.
It seems that the Chelsea coach was taking issue with the fact that he didn’t have enough “protection” from the club after losing to Atalanta in the Champions League left him 4 games without a win.
It’s quite the power play to call out those above him so directly – clearly he’s feeling pretty comfortable in his position as coach now. Until now he’s been a company man.
Enzo Maresca shouts from the touchline. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
Protection from criticism in the media? There’s only so much the club can do. Does he want another wave of briefs about his job security released to the usual insiders? If anything those feel like they undermine his position. There’s not much else those above him can do to protect him from criticism after bad results.
It’s not usual in English football for a sporting director or a senior club figure to come out and make comments after a game – for better and for worse. If he wants that, he should consider a move to Spain or Italy where that’s a lot more common.
Chelsea’s transfer policy is something which was in place before the manager arrived, and it seems unlikely that he’s started railing against it now, but Ben Jacobs mentions it in his summary of the spat, so it could be a factor.
Maresca had lashed out in his post match press conference, and insider Jacobs had some thoughts on who his comments were aimed at. The manager speaks to the media later today and all eyes will be on him.