Enzo Maresca makes fresh Chelsea outburst admission after subtle dig at club chiefs

Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca (Image: Chris Lee - Chelsea FC)

Enzo Maresca has kept his cards close to his chest ahead of Chelsea's clash against Cardiff City in the quarter-final of the Carabao Cup. The Blues will lock horns with the League One outfit in Wales on Tuesday night.

On Saturday evening, in the press conference following the Blues' 2-0 win over Everton, Maresca described the 48 hours leading up to the game as his "worst" during his time at Stamford Bridge . The Italian did not go into too much detail when pressed on the matter, but said he felt a lack of support.

Speaking to reporters at Cobham on Monday afternoon, Maresca insisted that he has nothing to add . He said: "I already spoke about that and I don't have nothing to add. It's Cardiff tomorrow, please. I already spoke about that and I think I was quite clear. No more than that."

The Chelsea boss continued: "I respect your opinion and people's opinion. I have nothing to add. My focus is on tomorrow's game and that we can achieve the third semi-final in my time at the club.

"We are in an era where everyone can say what they think. I respect people's opinions, your opinion, but I have nothing to add. My focus is on tomorrow. I already answered the question and my focus is on tomorrow. I don't have nothing to add."

Maresca added: "I said after the game that I love Chelsea supporters - they deserve the best. Again, I don't have nothing to add."

Then, on whether he's committed to being the Blues boss, the Italian said: "Absolutely, yes."

Later in the press conference, Maresca was pressed again about his comments at the weekend . Standing his ground, he said: "I can speak Italian, my language, Spanish very well, French, English, I think I was clear with what I said.

"It's done, it's finished. It was after the game, I said what I said, and it's done. It's finished. Now, Cardiff. We need to move forward because tomorrow we have Cardiff."

Cardiff City have enjoyed an excellent start to the season, climbing to the top of League One. When quizzed on the progress that Brian Barry-Murphy has made in Wales, Maresca said: "He is doing a great job.

"They are top of the league, playing nice football and winning games. We need to pay attention and be careful. We can achieve the third semi-finals in 18 months."

On guarding against complacency in the Carabao Cup, Maresca said: "These are the worst games for these reasons. Football is full of these kind of games. The focus needs to be on Cardiff."

And finally, the Chelsea boss outlined his ambition to win the competition. Maresca said: "It's something that we want to achieve for the fans. It's a club with all its history, we need to do our best tomorrow to try and achieve the third semi-final."

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