In the upcoming Premier League match, Chelsea will take on Newcastle United. Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca attended the pre-match press conference ahead of the clash with Newcastle.
On Being Late and Christmas Plans
You’re late. What are your Christmas plans?So far, it’s going to be a long week—mainly because the games aren’t over yet. On the family side, my parents will come over from Italy, and my wife’s family will also join us. The kids can spend the festival with their grandparents.
On Who Will Cook for Christmas
Will you be the chef?No, my mum will do the cooking. I don’t have the time.
On Christmas Wishes
What’s your Christmas wish?The most important thing is that everyone stays healthy and safe. The world is full of distractions, but sometimes we overlook the most essential things. I hope everyone can be healthy and safe.
On Team Injury Updates
Any injury updates on the team?We’re in good shape. All the players who missed the game against Cardiff are fine now. Liam Delap and Estevão (note: Maresca made a slip of the tongue; it was Estevão) should be available for the match against Aston Villa. Lavia and Colwill are still sidelined.
On Delap’s Early Return
Are you surprised that Delap can return early?We said before that we weren’t sure how long he would be out since his injury, but his recovery has been going well so far. So we’ll assess his condition again, and if he’s good to go, he can play against Villa.
On Rumors Linking Him to Man City Manager Role
You’ve been linked with the Manchester City manager’s job—you must have heard the rumors. What do you think? Are you affected by them?It doesn’t affect me at all. I know this is 100% speculation, and I have no time for it right now. I still have a contract with this club that runs until… well, 2029. All my focus is on this club.I’m very proud to be working here. This is just gossip. A week ago, the same stories came out when Juventus was looking for a new manager, so I pay no attention to it whatsoever.
On Protecting Young Players from Rumors
Given that Chelsea has a lot of young players, do you think you need to handle such rumors more carefully to avoid affecting them?Once again, this is just speculation. It’s important to understand why such news emerges, but that’s not my responsibility. I don’t care about it. The priority right now is the game against Newcastle.
On Communication with Sports Management
After the Cardiff game, you said you would watch Newcastle’s match footage, but you also mentioned not having communication with the sports management team. What about now?Regarding the press conference after the Everton game? No, we didn’t talk about that.
On Relationship with Immediate Supervisor
How is your relationship with your immediate supervisor?Yes, we work in the same building, and the relationship is good.
On Noon Kick-off at St James’ Park
St James’ Park is regarded as one of the toughest away grounds in the league, but do you think the noon kick-off will give you a slight advantage?For me, it’s always a challenge. Day or night, they are a very good team. Their manager is excellent and has led the team to great results over the years.
On Half-Time Instructions for Young Players
In the game against Cardiff, your team’s performance was completely different in the first and second halves. Do you think half-time instructions are important for young Chelsea players?Absolutely. Half-time tactical adjustments are part of the game and part of the plan. Many times, we make changes to the players and tactics at half-time, depending on the situation. It’s crucial for us to try and make adjustments.
On Garnacho’s Coordination and Team’s Finishing
We can see that Garnacho has been creating chances in the final third and finding spaces. Among Chelsea’s players, Enzo seems to have the best passing chemistry with him. Do you think more coordination with Garnacho is needed?
Do you think Chelsea needs to improve their finishing?The only thing we can do is try our best to help the players. We can achieve this through extra daily training sessions. We’ve arranged a lot of drills for our forwards and wingers to improve their chance conversion rate. Garnacho included—he also needs to get better in this aspect.
On the Reason for Man City Rumors
Why are there rumors linking you with Manchester City? What’s the story behind it?I have no idea. I don’t understand it.
On Fans Chanting His Name After Cardiff Game
After the Cardiff game, the fans chanted your name—what do you want to say to them?What I want to say to them is to keep supporting the team as they have done since I joined and in the past. Trust the process and trust the club.
On Being a High-Energy Manager Amid Rumors
Do you still consider yourself a high-energy manager, especially given these rumors?To be honest, I’m fully focused on the game against Newcastle. Really.
On Guaranteeing to Stay Next Season
One more question: what do you want to say to the fans, and can you guarantee staying at Chelsea next season?Absolutely, yes. My contract runs until 2029. This is all just rumors, 100%. I have nothing more to add. I don’t pay any attention to this. If I keep talking about it, it means I’m focusing on it, so there’s no need to say more.
On Unfinished Goals at Chelsea
Do you hope to achieve your goals at Chelsea? Do you think there are things left undone?Absolutely. A few days ago, we reached our third semi-final in 18 months. Last year, we had a great run in the cup competitions and finally finished fourth in the Premier League. Our goal is to build on last season’s achievements and do even better—that’s what we’ve been hoping to accomplish.
On Newcastle’s Formidable Midfield
What do you think of Newcastle’s “formidable midfield trio”?Tonali, Guimarães, Joelinton, and Miley are all excellent players, all full internationals. They complement each other perfectly—strong physically and exquisite in ball control. They are well-balanced in every aspect, making it extremely difficult for any team to beat them.
