Chelsea Boss Enzo Maresca Faces Fierce Backlash After Shocking Outburst Rocks Stamford Bridge
Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca made an error by suggesting problems with the leadership at Stamford Bridge and will struggle to receive "backing" should circumstances deteriorate, claims former Manchester United and England forward Wayne Rooney.
After the latest 2–0 triumph against Everton, Maresca shifted the post-game media session from standard inquiries into an unexpected attack on what he called the "most difficult 48 hours" of his time in charge because "numerous individuals" were failing to provide him with backing.
The precise focus of Maresca's outburst remains unclear. He confirmed it wasn't directed at the fans and refused the chance to confront the press, sparking theories that Maresca was targeting his superiors in the organization, including sporting directors Paul Winstanley and Laurence Stewart and possibly even co-owner Behdad Eghbali.
The atmosphere became extremely strained immediately and drew parallels to Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah's recent decision to publicly criticize those in control at Anfield.
"In my view it was very comparable to the Mo Salah incident last week where it was clearly planned," Rooney stated on his eponymous BBC podcast. "He understands precisely what he is expressing and who he is targeting and the board and ownership at Chelsea will recognize it is directed at them."
Maresca Has Challenged Ownership—Rooney
Maresca's criticisms came after Chelsea concluded a sequence of three disappointing displays consecutively. The overall sentiment surrounding the club was pessimistic but certainly not poisonous or beyond repair, with Chelsea still finishing the weekend among the top four.
Nevertheless, according to Rooney, Maresca's comments may have now eliminated any additional support from leadership should situations genuinely deteriorate.
"You must show respect to the ownership of a football club," Rooney added. "They hire you and recruit you, so it's their approach and I believe he's somewhat opposed that.
"It represents something that's obviously occurred, whether it's a dispute or he senses his position is threatened and he doesn't believe it should be given the two titles he's secured and the points he's accumulated.
"I don't believe he's a manager who will retreat. He possesses a determination about him and an ambition about him. Whether he has received information, like the club potentially wanting him gone and he's been proactive to take the offensive, you can't know his motivation. It's quite peculiar.
"I don't believe he'll receive the support now he's emerged and acted as he has. That will be extremely challenging for the club to defend him, which is unfortunate."