Maresca sparked debate over the weekend after describing the period leading up to Chelsea’s Premier League win over Everton as the “worst 48 hours” of his time at Stamford Bridge.
The Italian coach, who joined the club in mid-2024, suggested that he and his players had felt unsupported, but stopped short of naming who he was referring to.
The remarks came despite Chelsea securing an important victory that helped steady their league position. However, instead of focusing on the result, attention quickly shifted to Maresca’s unusual public outburst.
Speaking on his podcast, Rooney said the comments did not appear accidental. According to the former England captain, Maresca knew exactly what he was doing and who his message was directed at.
Rooney compared the situation to recent high-profile disputes involving top managers and star players, arguing that such comments are often carefully planned rather than emotional slip-ups.
“He knows what he’s saying, and the people at the top of Chelsea will know it’s about them,” Rooney said, adding that such public criticism rarely goes down well with club owners.
Chelsea currently sit fourth in the Premier League standings, but their recent form has been inconsistent. Before the Everton win, the club had managed just two points from their previous three league matches.
The remarks came despite Chelsea securing an important victory that helped steady their league position. However, instead of focusing on the result, attention quickly shifted to Maresca’s unusual public outburst.
Speaking on his podcast, Rooney said the comments did not appear accidental. According to the former England captain, Maresca knew exactly what he was doing and who his message was directed at.
Rooney compared the situation to recent high-profile disputes involving top managers and star players, arguing that such comments are often carefully planned rather than emotional slip-ups.
“He knows what he’s saying, and the people at the top of Chelsea will know it’s about them,” Rooney said, adding that such public criticism rarely goes down well with club owners.
Chelsea currently sit fourth in the Premier League standings, but their recent form has been inconsistent. Before the Everton win, the club had managed just two points from their previous three league matches.
That run also included a disappointing Champions League defeat away from home, which added pressure on both the players and coaching staff.
Rooney believes the timing of Maresca’s comments could hurt him if results take another downturn. He pointed to examples at other clubs where owners have publicly backed managers during difficult periods, noting that such support often depends on trust and mutual respect.
In contrast, Rooney said Maresca’s approach may have damaged that relationship. He explained that football club owners expect loyalty from their managers, even during disagreements behind the scenes.
“You have to respect the people who hired you,” Rooney said. “They brought you in and trust you to work within their structure. Going public like that makes it hard for them to defend you.”
The former striker suggested that Maresca may be feeling under pressure, either due to internal disagreements or speculation about his future. However, he questioned whether speaking out was the right response.
Rooney also noted that Maresca does not seem like the type of coach to withdraw his words. He described the Chelsea boss as passionate and driven, but warned that such traits can sometimes lead to difficult situations if not carefully managed.
“If he’s heard rumours or feels he’s being questioned, maybe he’s decided to go on the front foot,” Rooney said. “But once you do that, it’s very hard to walk it back.”
According to Rooney, the biggest risk for Maresca is that Chelsea’s leadership may now hesitate to publicly support him if the team’s performances dip again. In modern football, where results often dictate decisions, a lack of visible backing can be damaging.
Despite the criticism, Rooney acknowledged Maresca’s achievements so far, including his tactical influence and recent silverware.
Rooney believes the timing of Maresca’s comments could hurt him if results take another downturn. He pointed to examples at other clubs where owners have publicly backed managers during difficult periods, noting that such support often depends on trust and mutual respect.
In contrast, Rooney said Maresca’s approach may have damaged that relationship. He explained that football club owners expect loyalty from their managers, even during disagreements behind the scenes.
“You have to respect the people who hired you,” Rooney said. “They brought you in and trust you to work within their structure. Going public like that makes it hard for them to defend you.”
The former striker suggested that Maresca may be feeling under pressure, either due to internal disagreements or speculation about his future. However, he questioned whether speaking out was the right response.
Rooney also noted that Maresca does not seem like the type of coach to withdraw his words. He described the Chelsea boss as passionate and driven, but warned that such traits can sometimes lead to difficult situations if not carefully managed.
“If he’s heard rumours or feels he’s being questioned, maybe he’s decided to go on the front foot,” Rooney said. “But once you do that, it’s very hard to walk it back.”
According to Rooney, the biggest risk for Maresca is that Chelsea’s leadership may now hesitate to publicly support him if the team’s performances dip again. In modern football, where results often dictate decisions, a lack of visible backing can be damaging.
Despite the criticism, Rooney acknowledged Maresca’s achievements so far, including his tactical influence and recent silverware.
However, he stressed that success on the pitch does not always guarantee patience from club owners, especially at elite clubs with high expectations.
0 Comments