Enzo Maresca makes himself clear after Chelsea outburst sparked rift rumours | Football | Sport

Enzo Maresca was quizzed on his recent outburst ahead of Chelsea‘s upcoming Carabao Cup quarter-final showdown with Cardiff City. The Blues are set to face the League One side in Wales on Tuesday evening. It comes just days after Maresca made a series of furious comments after Saturday’s victry over Everton.

He described the 48 hours preceding the match as his «worst» period since arriving at Stamford Bridge. The Italian declined to elaborate when questioned further, though he mentioned feeling unsupported. In a press conference at the club’s Cobham training base on Monday afternoon, Maresca maintained his silence on the issue.

He stated: «I already spoke about that and I don’t have nothing to add. It’s Cardiff tomorrow, please. I already spoke about that and I think I was quite clear. No more than that.

«I respect your opinion and people’s opinion. I have nothing to add. My focus is on tomorrow’s game and that we can achieve the third semi-final in my time at the club.

«We are in an era where everyone can say what they think. I respect people’s opinions, your opinion, but I have nothing to add. My focus is on tomorrow. I already answered the question and my focus is on tomorrow. I don’t have anything to add.»

Maresca added: «I said after the game that I love Chelsea supporters. They deserve the best. Again, I don’t have anything to add.»

When asked about his commitment to managing the Blues, the Italian responded: «Absolutely, yes.»

Later during the press conference, Maresca was questioned once more regarding his weekend remarks.

Refusing to back down, he declared: «I can speak Italian, my language, Spanish very well, French, English, I think I was clear with what I said.

«It’s done, it’s finished. It was after the game, I said what I said, and it’s done. It’s finished. Now, Cardiff. We need to move forward because tomorrow we have Cardiff.»

Cardiff City have made a superb start to the campaign, soaring to the summit of League One following their relegation from the Championship at the end of last season.

When asked about the strides Brian Barry-Murphy has made in charge of the Bluebirds, Maresca commented: «He is doing a great job.

«They are top of the league, playing nice football and winning games. We need to pay attention and be careful. We can achieve the third semi-finals in 18 months.»

Finally, the Chelsea manager revealed his desire to lift the trophy at the end of the campaign.

Maresca concluded: «It’s something that we want to achieve for the fans. It’s a club with all its history, we need to do our best tomorrow to try and achieve the third semi-final.»