Pep Guardiola spoke publicly for the first time about Enzo Maresca’s dismissal from Chelsea and made his view clear during Friday’s press conference, the last one before Sunday’s clash at the Etihad Stadium. Asked about the Italian coach’s departure, announced on Thursday, the Manchester City manager didn’t hesitate. “Let me say this: from my point of view, Chelsea lost an incredible coach, an incredible person. But it’s a decision made by Chelsea’s board, so I’ve got nothing more to add,” he said.
Guardiola knows Maresca well. The Italian worked as his assistant at City and was part of the coaching staff that helped cement the club’s playing model in recent years. That background explains why Pep’s assessment drew immediate attention, especially since Maresca had even been mentioned in the past as a potential successor to Guardiola himself.
A short but clear response
The timing of the press conference helped amplify the comment. Maresca’s firing came just days before a direct matchup between City and Chelsea, making the topic unavoidable. Guardiola could have taken a neutral tone or sidestepped any judgment, but instead chose to answer clearly and move on. After the praise, he made it explicit that the call belonged solely to Chelsea’s leadership and closed the subject right there.
Soon after, Pep was asked about rumors linking Maresca to a future succession plan at City. The manager avoided giving anything away and replied naturally. “I have no idea. I’m pretty sure you have more information than I do,” he said. The remark helped cool speculation at that moment and kept the focus on the weekend’s game.
A comment that didn’t go unnoticed
Even without going into detail, Guardiola’s statement carried weight. Enzo Maresca left Chelsea amid yet another managerial change at the club, while City continue with stability on the bench. Pep didn’t compare projects or criticize the rival’s policy, but by saying Chelsea lost an incredible coach, he publicly registered his view of the professional who had just exited.
As for Sunday’s clash, the comment doesn’t change preparation or strategy. Guardiola made it clear that his focus remains on the pitch. Still, the remark added to the week’s headlines and kept attention on Chelsea’s decision. In a setting where managers usually choose their words carefully, Pep’s choice to offer direct praise, even briefly, was enough to keep the topic alive on the eve of another big Premier League match.