Chelsea supervisor Enzo Maresca with Manchester Metropolis supervisor Pep Guardiola after the match. Photograph: REUTERS
MANCHESTER:
Pep Guardiola stated Chelsea’s choice to half methods with an ‘unimaginable’ supervisor like Enzo Maresca makes him really feel ‘fortunate’ to be working at Manchester Metropolis, as his former assistant faces an unsure future after leaving Stamford Bridge.
Maresca, who beforehand served as Guardiola’s assistant at Metropolis within the 2022-23 season, departed Chelsea on New Yr’s Day following a poor run of kind, prompting his former boss to replicate on the contrasting stability on the Etihad Stadium.
“Solely I can say, from my standpoint, Chelsea lose an unimaginable, unimaginable supervisor,” Guardiola instructed reporters forward of Sunday’s match towards the London facet.
“Unimaginable individual. However it’s a call from the hierarchy from Chelsea. Nothing to say.”When requested if he was stunned by the event, Guardiola was philosophical about soccer’s unpredictable nature.
“In soccer? Nothing surprises,” he stated. “Solely confirms how fortunate I’m. I used to be and I’m, within the membership the place I’m. My membership is extraordinary.”
‘I’ve another 12 months’
Reviews had emerged amid Maresca’s exit that the Italian had held conversations with Metropolis this season about doubtlessly taking Guardiola’s place sooner or later, prompting questions concerning the Spaniard’s personal longevity on the membership.
“You need to hearth me?” Guardiola responded with a smile when requested about his tenure. “My wage is so excessive. I’ve another 12 months.”
When pressed additional about his future, Guardiola grew extra animated: “Oh, my God! I’ve a contract. I’ve stated a thousand million instances. I do know you’re bored of me, 10 years right here. I am fairly certain of that! I’ll depart at some point, I promise you.
“I’ve a contract, I am joyful, I need to struggle with my workforce, the hierarchy respect me – that (was) proved final season once we did not win one sport in three months, they help me… I wish to be right here.”
Metropolis being cautious with Rodri
Though Metropolis misplaced floor within the title race with Thursday’s 0-0 draw away at Sunderland to take a seat 4 factors behind Arsenal, Guardiola noticed a silver lining within the return of midfielder Rodri who got here on as a halftime substitute.
The previous Ballon d’Or winner has struggled with knee and hamstring accidents this season, with Guardiola saying they are going to be cautious in managing his minutes amid a busy schedule.
“At all times with Rodri on the pitch we’re higher. Nico (Gonzalez) has been excellent. However Rodri is Rodri, all people is aware of it. However we now have to watch out,” Guardiola stated.
“We’ll see how the individuals get better now. On this interval, to have two video games away is so demanding.
“We are going to see, not a lot time. Rodri is again, Jeremy (Doku)… each come from lengthy, lengthy accidents so we now have to watch out, discuss with the docs, the physios.”
