Enzo Maresca was asked about his recent abuse ahead of Chelsea’s Carabao Cup quarter-final match against Cardiff City. The Blues are scheduled to face the League One side in Wales on Tuesday night. It comes just days after Maresca made a series of furious comments following Saturday’s win over Everton.
He described the 48 hours before the match as the “worst” period since arriving at Stamford Bridge. The Italians declined to elaborate when asked further, but said they felt unsupported. Maresca remained silent on the issue at a press conference at the club’s Cobham training base on Monday afternoon.
“We’ve already talked about that and I have nothing to add. Tomorrow is Cardiff, please. We’ve already talked about that and I think we’ve been pretty clear. There’s nothing more to it.”
“I respect your opinion and the opinion of the people. I have nothing to add. My focus is on tomorrow’s match and whether we can reach the semi-finals for the third time in my time at the club.”
“We’re in a time where everyone can express their opinion. I respect everyone’s opinion, your opinion, but I have nothing to add. My focus is on tomorrow. I’ve already answered the question and my focus is on tomorrow. I have nothing to add.”
Maresca added: “After the game I said I love the Chelsea supporters. They deserve the highest recognition. Again, I have nothing to add.”
Asked about his commitment to the Blues manager, the Italian replied: “Of course, yes.”
During a subsequent press conference, Maresca was asked again about his comments over the weekend.
He refused to recant, saying, “I can speak Italian, my language, Spanish, French and English very well. I think I was clear in what I said.”
“It’s over, it’s over. It was after the game and what I said is over. It’s over. Now Cardiff. Tomorrow is Cardiff so we have to move on.”
Cardiff City have made a fantastic start to the season, rocketing to the top of League One after being relegated from the Championship at the end of last season.
When asked about Brian Barry-Murphy’s progress at the Bluebirds’ helm, Maresca commented: “He’s doing a great job.
“They are at the top of the league, playing great football and winning games. We need to pay attention and pay attention. We can reach the semi-finals for the third time in 18 months.”
Finally, the Chelsea manager revealed his desire to lift a trophy at the end of the season.
Maresca concluded: “This is what we want to achieve for the fans. This is a club with all the history. We need to do our best tomorrow to reach the semi-finals for the third time.”
