EPL: Maresca Risks Chelsea Backing After ‘Worst 48 Hours’ Claim – Rooney

Former Man United striker warns public criticism could leave Chelsea boss exposed.

Former Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney believes Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca may have weakened his own position after making comments that appeared to criticise the club’s ownership. The Italian coach recently described the build-up to Chelsea’s 2–0 Premier League win over Everton as the “worst 48 hours” since he arrived at Stamford Bridge in June 2024.

Speaking on BBC Sounds’ The Wayne Rooney Show, Rooney suggested the remarks were deliberate and aimed directly at those running the club. He warned that such public statements rarely earn protection from club hierarchies if results begin to falter, even with Chelsea currently sitting fourth in the Premier League.

Rooney contrasted Maresca’s situation with that of Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim, who previously received strong public backing from co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe. He added that Maresca’s passionate and confrontational approach could count against him if Chelsea’s inconsistent form continues. According to Rooney, while managers are entitled to express frustration, openly challenging club owners often leaves them exposed when pressure mounts.

Despite the recent win over Everton, Rooney stressed that managers must show respect toward ownership, noting that Maresca’s comments may resurface if Chelsea suffer further setbacks. As earlier reported by PUNCH Online, Maresca’s “worst 48 hours” remark has already sparked debate, with scrutiny now firmly on how much support he would receive should results take a downturn.