Enzo Maresca Breaks Silence on Barcelona Rumors: "Most Important" Priority Revealed
Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca declined to dismiss the possibility of coaching Barcelona down the line, though he emphasized his contentment at "one of the world's finest clubs."
The Italian tactician's reputation has grown considerably in the last year and a half following his guidance of Chelsea to Conference League success in his debut campaign, while also securing the former European champions' return to the continent's top-tier competition.
Maresca's abilities will face examination against Barcelona in Tuesday evening's high-profile encounter, with Chelsea's home record showing room for improvement as only 43% of their 23 Premier League points this season have been secured at Stamford Bridge.
During his pre-match media briefing, Maresca addressed various topics, including the prospect of potentially taking charge at Barcelona in years to come—the Italian has expressed admiration for the team Pep Guardiola coached in the late 2000s and early 2010s.
Maresca, who is fluent in Spanish, avoided ruling out such an opportunity should it present itself—while emphasizing his dedication to his present club.
Maresca: Guardiola is Why I Became a Manager
"You're familiar with me since you attend all my press briefings. Even when you inquire about events three or four months ahead, I consistently respond 'I'm uncertain'," he stated. "Currently, I'm delighted to be at this magnificent club, once again among the world's premier institutions, and that's what matters most."
Regarding his respect for Guardiola's previous achievements: "I chose to become a manager inspired by Pep's Barcelona team from years past."
"I believe no one can match that Barcelona squad, that Pep era, because they revolutionized football in Spain, where every team attempted to replicate their style, then Pep transferred to Germany, and clubs there followed suit. When Pep arrived in England, numerous teams sought to implement similar approaches, including England's national squad. I believe Pep stands unmatched because over the past two decades he has transformed football."
Maresca gained firsthand experience with Guardiola, serving as coach and assistant at Manchester City before establishing himself as head coach with Parma in 2021. He then guided Leicester City to Premier League promotion in his single season there, before succeeding the departed Mauricio Pochettino at Chelsea.
Hansi Flick's Barcelona a 'Spectacular' Team
Maresca also offered high praise for Barcelona's current squad, which operates under former Bayern Munich and Germany manager Hansi Flick.
The Catalan club secured a domestic treble during Flick's inaugural campaign, alongside reaching the Champions League semifinals, and Maresca anticipates a challenging contest beneath the Stamford Bridge floodlights.
"I consider them extraordinary, it's a side that whenever I observe offers lessons to be learned, aspects to study, their attacking approach, their defensive structure, which ultimately enabled them to claim La Liga last season and reach the Champions League semifinals," he commented.
"They execute numerous elements excellently and represent a team that consistently seeks control, always pursues quality, and we strive to mirror that approach ourselves."