Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has moved to clarify his position at Stamford Bridge, insisting he remains "happy" with the club just days after delivering a stunning public critique of his working environment.
From Rant to Reassurance
The Italian coach had thrown his future into major doubt earlier in December with an extraordinary post-match rant. Following a Premier League fixture, Maresca claimed he had experienced his "worst 48 hours" at Chelsea and felt a distinct lack of "support," though he stopped short of specifying where that criticism was directed.
However, after guiding his team to a 3-1 victory over Cardiff City in the Carabao Cup quarter-final on Tuesday, 16th December 2025, Maresca struck a markedly different tone. Serenaded by travelling Chelsea supporters at the final whistle, the former Leicester City boss sought to draw a line under the controversy.
Focus on the Fans and the Future
Asked about the positive reception from the fans, Maresca expressed his gratitude. "I'm just happy, we're going to play another semi-final and I think it's what the fans deserve," he stated. "It was a great moment, I appreciate it, always thankful. In some moments when you don't win games, they have been not happy, but it's normal. But overall, the fans have always been there."
He also praised his players for navigating a potentially tricky cup tie, highlighting the professionalism required. "These are the kind of games that I fall in love even more with the players... Every season there are teams that lose against, you know, League Two or League One sides. You need to pay attention," Maresca added.
No Talks with Hierarchy, Eyes on Newcastle
Crucially, the 45-year-old confirmed he had not held any discussions with Chelsea's ownership or sporting directors in the wake of his inflammatory weekend comments. Instead, his focus was purely on preparation.
"No, as I said yesterday, the day after Everton, I started to prepare for Cardiff," Maresca explained. "Now I just said on the bus I will watch Newcastle and I didn't speak with anyone... I always said that I've been happy since day one. So it's not that tonight I'm not happy. I'm happy."
His immediate attention is now fixed on Chelsea's next Premier League challenge: an away trip to face Newcastle United on Saturday afternoon. The Blues currently occupy fourth place in the table, eight points behind leaders Arsenal.
The win against Cardiff secures Chelsea's place in the Carabao Cup semi-finals. They await the outcome of the remaining quarter-finals, which see Manchester City host Brentford and Newcastle face Fulham, with Arsenal versus Crystal Palace to follow next week.
