Former Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney believes Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca is unlikely to receive any protection from the club’s hierarchy following his cryptic comments that appeared to be aimed at the club’s ownership.
Maresca described the build-up to Chelsea’s Premier League victory over Everton as “the worst 48 hours” since he arrived at the club in June 2024. In a striking outburst, the Italian suggested he and his players had not been supported, before declining to clarify who his remarks were directed at.
Speaking on The Wayne Rooney Show on BBC Sounds, Rooney said the comments were far from accidental.
“For me it was very similar to the Mo Salah situation last week where it was very premeditated,” Rooney said. “He knows exactly what he is saying and who he is aiming it at, and the board and owners at Chelsea will know it is aimed at them.”
Chelsea currently sit fourth in the Premier League but had managed just two points from their previous nine before the Everton win, a run that also included a Champions League defeat away to Atalanta.
Rooney contrasted Maresca’s situation with that of Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim, who earlier this season received public backing from co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe. According to Rooney, Maresca’s comments may have weakened his position if results dip again.
“You’ve got to respect the owners of a football club,” Rooney added. “They employ you and bring you in, so it’s their way, and I feel he’s gone a bit against that.”
He suggested there may be underlying tensions behind Maresca’s remarks. “It is something that’s clearly happened, whether it’s a disagreement or he feels his job is under pressure and it shouldn’t be because of the trophies he’s won and the points he’s picked up,” Rooney said.
Rooney also questioned whether Maresca was acting defensively amid rumours about his future. “Whether he has heard things, like the club might want him out and he’s been proactive to go on the front foot, you don’t know why he’s done it. It’s very strange.”
Ultimately, Rooney believes the Chelsea boss may have made life harder for himself. “I don’t think he’ll get the protection now he’s come out and done what he has done,” he said. “That will be very difficult for the club to come and protect him, which is a shame.”
