Ange Postecoglou’s latest defence of Enzo Maresca suggests that the prevailing assessment of Chelsea’s trajectory may be flawed, as Postecoglou habitually challenges popular narratives.
Enzo Maresca’s time at Chelsea ended on a sour note following a fallout with the club’s ownership. The main issues stemmed from disagreements with the medical department, leaving Maresca feeling sidelined in key decisions at Stamford Bridge.
The fanbase was not exactly behind his exit either. He had given them two trophies – the FIFA Club World Cup and the UEFA Conference League – which, considering their drought since 2022, felt like real progress.
But even with that on his CV, Maresca has not earned much patience from the board. The club decided to move on and brought in Liam Rosenior as his replacement.
Ange Postecoglou thinks Enzo Maresca was overlooked too quickly
Speaking to The Overlap, Ange Postecoglou gave his thoughts on how winning managers are viewed in the game.
The 60-year-old Australian said: “I rate managers who win things, mate. I think ultimately that’s what we all do.
“So, you know, Eddie won something last year, Oliver won something last year. You know, obviously, um, Arnie winning the league, Enzo, he won something. I think people are too dismissive of winning things these days, actual trophies, it’s still what it’s about.
“You know, as much as you want clubs to be competitive and financially healthy, you don’t have bus parades for healthy bank balances; you only have them for winning trophies.
“So, anytime a manager wins a trophy, I’m he’s done something cuz it’s hard, mate.”
Enzo Maresca probably deserved a little more from Chelsea
Maresca’s exit from Chelsea was more than a simple break; it highlighted a club looking for immediate harmony over steady progress. Despite the messy departure, the Italian had built enough momentum to justify more patience than he got.
Over 18 months, he managed to stabilise a squad that had been in disarray, turning them into trophy winners after years without success.
Maresca’s work did not go unnoticed, either. He gave the team an identity that was clear and aggressive. Even Manchester City took notice, seeing him as a possible option once Pep Guardiola departs.
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