According to Enzo Maresca, he will only have six Chelsea games to demonstrate his worth, or it may be curtains for him….
Chelsea finds itself in a challenging situation after suffering a disappointing loss to Manchester City in their Premier League opener. This early setback has intensified the pressure on the club, particularly on their newly appointed manager, Enzo Maresca. Concerns are growing both within the club and among its supporters, with former footballer Teddy Sheringham issuing a stark warning about the precariousness of Maresca’s position.
Sheringham, who is best known for his time with Manchester United, has predicted that Maresca’s tenure at Chelsea might be perilously short if results do not improve quickly. He suggests that the Italian manager could be given as little as six games to prove his worth before the club’s management might consider replacing him if the team’s performance does not meet expectations.
The source of the tension is Chelsea’s recent 2-0 defeat at the hands of Manchester City, a result that has placed Maresca under intense scrutiny from fans and football analysts alike. Sheringham has voiced his opinion that Maresca needs to start winning matches immediately to avoid deeper trouble. He described Maresca as a “temperamental” figure who must make a strong start to his tenure if he hopes to survive the notoriously high-pressure environment at Stamford Bridge. Sheringham did not hold back in his criticism of Chelsea’s owner, Todd Boehly, and the club’s management, accusing them of setting “unrealistic” expectations for the season. He emphasized the immense pressure that Chelsea managers face, noting that even a good start might not guarantee job security. “Even if he does well in the first six games, the pressure won’t ease,” Sheringham warned. “The following six games could just as easily decide his fate. Chelsea’s management is known for its impatience, and even with a long-term contract, Maresca is not safe.”
Sheringham went on to express his concerns about the club’s ambitions, arguing that they seem disconnected from the current reality of the Premier League. With so many top teams competing for the same honors, he believes that expecting Chelsea to challenge for a top-four finish or even the title is unrealistic, given the many changes and uncertainties at the club. “The owners run the club on their own terms,” he added. “If results don’t go their way over any given period, no manager is secure in their position, no matter the circumstances.”
Sheringham also shared his surprise at the departure of former manager Mauricio Pochettino, whom he held in high regard. Reflecting on the situation, he noted the progress Chelsea had made under Pochettino and questioned the decision to part ways with a coach who seemed to be leading the team in the right direction. “Pochettino seemed to be making a positive impact,” Sheringham observed. “He has a track record of improving players and building teams capable of competing at the highest level. To let him go after the strides the team was making is baffling.”
In Sheringham’s view, Chelsea’s recent management decisions appear erratic and unpredictable, leading many in the football community to question the club’s long-term strategy. He remains skeptical about the stability and direction at Chelsea, especially with a manager like Maresca now in the spotlight. “When you bring in a new manager, you hope for progress and stability,” Sheringham said. “But with Chelsea, who knows what’s next? The club has made some surprising moves, and the pressure on Maresca is immense. It’s a tough situation, and only time will tell if he can survive it.”
