Chelsea supervisor Enzo Maresca this week responded to an method from Juventus because the Serie A giants seek for a alternative for Igor Tudor.
2025/2026 has had a really combined begin for Maresca, who received two main trophies within the first few months of the yr.
A run of 4 consecutive wins in all competitions earlier than final weekend’s disastrous loss to Sunderland at Stamford Bridge finest exemplified the instability up to now, with Chelsea contemporary off a win over Wolves on the backside of the Premier League within the Carabao Cup on Wednesday.
The West Londoners have been on a 3-0 lead because of first-half objectives from Andrei Santos, Tyrik George and Estevao, however the dwelling aspect critically threatened an unlikely comeback when Tolu Alokodare and David Wolfe pulled it again to 3-2.
Summer season signing Jamie Gittens then scored Chelsea’s fourth and first aim within the membership’s historical past, whereas Wolff added one other in stoppage time to make Maresca’s aspect sweat, however finally sealed their place within the quarter-finals.
The 4-3 win towards Molineux was considerably overshadowed by Liam Delap’s pointless purple card, with Maresca slamming his two decisive assaults as “embarrassing”.
Maresca stated after the match: “A purple card like as we speak is embarrassing. Two yellow playing cards in seven minutes is embarrassing. I believe each could be prevented.”
“After the primary yellow card, I instructed him 4 or 5 instances to settle down. However he is nonetheless a participant when he is on the pitch. Possibly he is taking part in the sport for himself. And he acknowledged that and had a tough time listening to everybody else.”
Delap will miss Chelsea’s huge recreation at Tottenham this weekend on account of suspension, regardless of having simply returned from remedy after weeks of remedy for a hamstring harm.
Off the pitch, Juve are thought to have contacted Maresca’s entourage on the identical day Chelsea beat Wolves.
Enzo Maresca accepts Juventus method after Chelsea’s clear request
Studies earlier this season instructed Maresca’s long-term future at Chelsea was removed from sure, with tensions present between the Italian and the membership’s hierarchy.
Along with this, journalist Simon Phillips reported that neither Cole Palmer nor Reece James totally endorsed Maresca’s method, so the state of affairs is price maintaining a tally of if the outcomes stay combined.
Now, Phillips has supplied one other replace on the 45-year-old’s future.
The reporter shared the information by means of his Substack that Juve approached Maresca’s camp on Wednesday throughout their seek for a brand new supervisor.
However the tactician’s response is evident – he has no intention of leaving mid-campaign.
A transfer to Turin on the finish of the season can’t be dominated out, however Chelsea are more likely to demand an enormous compensation payment – which may attain as much as £10 million.
“Enzo Maresca was on the high of Juventus’ checklist of latest supervisor candidates, however they knew he wouldn’t be accessible halfway by means of the season,” Phillips wrote.
“This has not stopped them from contacting the individuals of Maresca in latest days. Nonetheless, phrase from Maresca is that they don’t intend to alter the present state of affairs presently.”
“Our sources additional perceive that negotiations are centered on a switch for Maresca in the summertime on the finish of this season. Juventus wish to carry Maresca in on the finish of the season and are attempting to see if that’s doable.”
“In accordance with our pleasant sources at The Blues Feed, Juventus have been involved with Maresca’s entourage till yesterday (Wednesday), and people sources additional say that Chelsea will demand compensation of between £8 million and £10 million in the event that they launch Maresca from his contract.”
“For that to occur, Maresca must go to them and inform them he needs to go. For the time being, the aim and plan on Maresca’s aspect and on Chelsea’s half is to a minimum of see this season out after which each events reassess on the finish of the season.”
Chelsea are making ready for necessary video games from now till the top of November towards Spurs, Arsenal and, within the Champions League, La Liga champions Barcelona.
The Blues may look so as to add Maresca in January, given their very weak protection and lack of choices, particularly at centre-back.
Chelsea will maintain talks with the Premier League centre-back over a decreased switch payment in January.
