In a surprising show of solidarity, Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has come out in support of struggling Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola ahead of their Premier League clash this weekend. As City’s Champions League ambitions hang by a thread, Maresca, who previously worked under Guardiola, offered perspective on the challenges facing even the most successful managers.
City’s Slump Puts Pressure on Guardiola
Manchester City’s dismal run of just two wins in their last seven European matches has left them in a precarious position, currently outside the Champions League qualification spots with only one group stage game remaining. Domestically, City sits fifth in the Premier League table, trailing Maresca’s fourth-place Chelsea by two points.
The reigning English champions have yet to fully recover from their pre-Christmas slump, with Wednesday’s 4-2 defeat at Paris Saint-Germain, in which they squandered a two-goal lead, further compounding their woes. The loss leaves City needing a minor miracle to keep their hopes of reaching the Champions League knockout phase alive.
Maresca: Guardiola Needs Support
Speaking to reporters on Friday, Maresca emphasized the importance of rallying around Guardiola during this difficult period. “Pep is strong enough in this kind of thing. But for sure, like any human being, he needs support in this moment,” the Chelsea manager said. “For the last eight or nine years, they were always on top.”
“With this club and these players, when they are in a difficult moment, they want to show how good they are. I don’t think there is ever a good moment to play City.”
– Enzo Maresca on facing Manchester City
Maresca, who worked as an assistant to Guardiola during City’s treble-winning 2022-23 season, acknowledged the quality of the squad and their ability to bounce back. However, he also noted that Chelsea will not make things easy for their rivals, despite the Blues’ own recent struggles.
Maresca’s History with City
The Chelsea boss has a long-standing relationship with Manchester City, having worked as a coach at the club before taking on the manager’s role at Parma. After being dismissed by the Italian side, Maresca returned to City to work alongside Guardiola during their historic treble-winning campaign.
“My relationship with Pep and the club is fantastic. I will always be thankful to City for the trust they showed in me, because they called me back after an Italian club sacked me after two or three months.”
– Enzo Maresca on his gratitude towards Manchester City
Chelsea Injury Updates
Ahead of Saturday’s clash at the Etihad Stadium, Maresca provided an update on his squad’s fitness. Midfielder Romeo Lavia will miss the match due to injury, while Enzo Fernández and Levi Colwill, who were absent from Monday’s 3-1 home victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers, could potentially feature.
As the pressure mounts on Guardiola and Manchester City, the support from an unlikely source in Enzo Maresca serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by even the most decorated managers. With both teams desperate for points to achieve their respective goals, Saturday’s encounter promises to be a fascinating battle between master and apprentice.
