In a recent statement, Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola weighed in on the ongoing conversation about Enzo Maresca’s managerial journey. Having worked closely with Maresca, Guardiola offered some advice to Chelsea’s ownership regarding their treatment of the young Italian coach.
Pep’s Message: “Give Him Time”
Guardiola made his stance crystal clear during his press conference when asked about Maresca’s future and development as a manager. The City boss emphasized that time is the key factor in allowing any coach to succeed, specifically highlighting Maresca’s potential.
“My advice: give him time. If the owners of Chelsea accept my advice…give Enzo time and it will work,” Guardiola said. His comments reflect a deep belief in Maresca’s abilities, encouraging Chelsea’s board to adopt a long-term vision for the manager’s career.
“All Managers Need Time”
Pep also touched on a universal truth within football management—no coach, regardless of talent, can succeed without patience from club leadership. He noted that the pressures of modern football often lead to early dismissals of managers, particularly in high-pressure environments like Chelsea.
“All the managers need time. I don’t know if Chelsea is the place to do this, but give him time and he will work,” Guardiola added. His cautious tone suggested that while Chelsea has a reputation for quick decisions, Maresca could defy the odds with proper backing.
A Call for Patience
Pep Guardiola’s comments underscore a significant challenge in modern football: the balancing act between ambition and patience. While Enzo Maresca is still in the early stages of his managerial career, the backing of a figure like Guardiola speaks volumes about his potential. Whether Chelsea’s ownership will heed Guardiola’s advice remains to be seen, but one thing is clear—Maresca has the tools to succeed, given the right circumstances.