Guardiola reflects on Chelsea's shock decision, lamenting their loss of a "fantastic" coach and person amid football's relentless churn.
This past Thursday, Jan. 1, Chelsea made official the dismissal of Enzo Maresca while the season is still at a decisive point. Although Chelsea is in fifth place in the Premier League with 30 points, the board considered that the project needed an immediate change.
The decision was striking, as the Italian manager had managed to keep the team in the European competition zone, although not with the expected consistency.
The strategist's departure also avoided a match laden with symbolism. This weekend, the 'Blues' visit Etihad Stadium to face Manchester City, but it will no longer be Maresca who faces his former boss from the bench.
The Italian had worked as an assistant to Guardiola, and his growth as a manager was linked for years to the influence of the Catalan coach.
In the preview of the league commitment, Pep Guardiola was questioned on different topics, from his team's recent draw to Chelsea's unexpected decision. With his direct style, he responded with irony when asked if City had let points escape: "We won one..."
However, the tone changed when speaking of Maresca. Guardiola reflected on the volatility of current football and made his position clear:
"Surprises? In the world of football? This only confirms how fortunate I am to be in this club. Mine is an extraordinary club. From my point of view, Chelsea loses an incredible coach and an incredible person. But it is a decision of their hierarchy, and I have nothing more to say."
While Chelsea begins the search for a new leader in the middle of the campaign, the name of Maresca joins the long list of coaches who have not achieved stability at Stamford Bridge in recent years.
The club again bets on an immediate change, with the pressure to compete in all competitions and recover prominence in England and Europe.
On the other hand, Guardiola was also interrogated about his own continuity, a recurring question every time important movements are produced in the European benches. Faithful to his custom, the technician avoided entering into speculations and made clear that his attention is placed on the present.
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