Enzo Maresca talked tactics ahead of Brighton on Saturday, and he had some kind words for a former Chelsea manager.
Since coming to the club last summer, Enzo Maresca has shown himself to be one of the best in-game coaches in football.
He led the Blues to two trophies in his debut season, and his ability to change his approach based on the opposition was key to that success. The best example is how he set up against PSG in the Club World Cup final, out-thinking and dismantling Luis Enrique’s side.
Maresca worked under a former Chelsea manager during his playing days in Italy, learning tactically from one of the best, and he has nothing but good things to say.
Enzo Maresca heaps praise on Carlo Ancelotti
Carlo Ancelotti joined Chelsea in 2009, leading the Blues to a domestic double in his first season.
He would manage second place the next season, deemed insufficient to hold onto his job. A harsh decision on Chelsea’s part.
Maresca played under Ancelotti at Juventus, and the two have stayed in contact as Maresca climbed the ranks in the world of management. He holds Don Carlo in high regard, even to this day, as he explains to Sky Sports.
When asked about his experience with Ancelotti, Maresca responded: “Fantastic, top. Carlo is a fantastic manager, no doubt, and a top, top human being.”
Ancelotti has remained at the pinnacle of the sport for as long as anyone, and has made an argument for being one of the best ever.
Chelsea’s decision to sack him after just two seasons still feels a rash one.
Carlo Ancelotti on his time at Chelsea and relationship with Roman Abramovich
When Chelsea was under the control of Roman Abramovich, the expectation was always trophies. Sometimes, to a fault.
Ancelotti described a difficult situation, attempting to appease an owner who accepted nothing but the best.
He said: “Abramovich made clear he wanted me to win the Champions League with Chelsea and for Chelsea to carve out its identity on the pitch.
“But now I was working for a Russian oligarch who I suddenly understood expected everything to go well all the time. And if it didn’t, he wanted to know why. It was my job to supply the answers.”
Abramovich was known for making hasty decisions, but sacking a manager after two trophies in two seasons seemed especially odd.
He would be justified in the end, after Chelsea won the Champions League in 2012 under Roberto Di Matteo, but even that wasn’t enough to prevent Abramovich from hiring someone new a season later. Those were the days.
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