Maresca's Future in Doubt? Carragher Predicts Chelsea May Regret Their Decision

Jamie Carragher has weighed in on Enzo Maresca's future at Chelsea, following the Blues boss's recent comments about a lack of support after their defeat to Atalanta. Maresca described the period between the Atalanta loss and the subsequent Premier League victory over Everton as the “worst 48 hours at the club,” making it clear his frustration was directed at the Chelsea hierarchy, despite professing his affection for the fans.

Carragher, speaking on Sky Sports' Monday Night Football, characterized the situation as a classic power struggle between a head coach and the club's directors and owners. He cautioned Maresca that such battles typically have only one victor, and it's rarely the coach.

"It’s not uncertain,” Carragher stated, clarifying that Maresca's comments were aimed at the owners and sporting directors. He elaborated that many clubs now operate with a head coach, rather than a traditional manager, alongside sporting directors. According to Carragher, coaches initially agree to the arrangement but may later feel they deserve more power, especially after achieving success.

Carragher cited Maresca's accomplishments – securing Champions League football, winning a European competition, and claiming the Club World Cup – as potential reasons for the manager's desire for greater influence. He suggested Maresca was likely disappointed by Chelsea's failure to sign a center back during the summer transfer window after Levi Colwill's injury. Recent results have also contributed to the tension.

Carragher disapproved of Maresca airing his grievances publicly. While acknowledging the situation wasn't as extreme as Mo Salah's recent public complaints, he maintained that such issues should be resolved internally. "But the problem for Maresca is, if you continue like this, there’s only going to be one winner. And it’s not him."

Carragher went on to predict that "I don’t think Maresca is manager of Chelsea next season.” That said, the reality is a bit more complicated. he also suggested that Chelsea might regret dismissing him. He emphasized Maresca's proven capabilities at the highest level, contrasting his situation with that of other potential managers like Ruben Amorim, whose ability to coach in the Premier League remains unproven. Carragher believes Maresca has demonstrated his ability to compete against top managers and has performed admirably with his current squad, which he considers significantly weaker than the top three clubs. While Chelsea may believe they can find a superior manager, Carragher warned that they could easily end up with someone worse, pointing to the recent experiences of Tottenham and Manchester United.