Chelsea sent Enzo Maresca warning with 'exit strategy' considered after shock claim

Enzo Maresca was incredibly vocal of a lack of support at Chelsea at the weekend, but refused to speak out about his comments during Monday's press conference - and now, a body language expert has assessed his behaviour

A body language expert has claimed that Enzo Maresca "has one eye on the departure lounge" after a cagey Chelsea press conference on Monday.

Looking ahead to the Blues' League Cup quarter-final clash with Cardiff City, which takes place on Tuesday, December 16, Maresca was probed on comments he made at the weekend in the aftermath of a 2-0 win over Everton.

During that post-match conference, he told the media: "Since I joined the club, the last 48 hours have been the worst 48 hours since I joined the club because many people didn't support us."

Seeking clarity on Maresca's comments during Monday's conference, journalists probed the 45-year-old for expansion. However, the Italian head coach was reluctant to speak about the instance.

When asked about his comments, Maresca replied: "I already spoke about that and I don't have nothing to add," before continuing: "It's Cardiff tomorrow, please."

He then said: "I already spoke about that and I think I was quite clear, no more than that," before adding: "I respect your opinion and I respect people's opinion, but again, I don't have nothing to add, and my focus is just on tomorrow's game, that we can achieve the third semi-final in 18 months since I joined the club."

Eager to move the conference on, Maresca then explained: "We are in an era where everyone can say what they think, I respect people's opinion, I respect your opinion, but again, I don't have nothing to add, my focus is just on tomorrow's game."

And now, body language expert Darren Stanton has given his take on what he saw from Maresca's press conference on Monday afternoon. Speaking to OLBG, he said: "Enzo Maresca looks wiped out, it’s almost like he hasn’t slept.

"The journalist was being pushy with him in getting him to clarify his comments from Saturday. Maresca is adamant that he’s already spoken about it but the journalist kept coming back and back.

"His blink rate increases which shows that he’s frustrated. We saw flashes of anger as if to say that he’s already clarified future to the media.

"That was the overriding emotion. The fact that he’s sick of being asked about it. He kept raising his eyebrows which is another sign of frustration and anger.

"Maresca looks like someone that is thinking about his exit strategy and has one eye on the departure lounge. He looks out in the wilderness so it will be interesting to see what develops here."

It comes as Jamie Carragher issued a damning verdict with regards to the future of Maresca at Stamford Bridge during Sky Sports' Monday Night Football coverage of Manchester United vs Brentford. Reflecting on Maresca's comments, the former Liverpool ace said: "Going forward, where can Maresca go that's better than Chelsea? I'm not sure.

"Now Chelsea as a club will feel, 'We can go and get another manager.' They could. Could they get someone better than Maresca? Maybe, but when you look at what's gone on at Spurs in the last couple of years, what's gone on at Manchester United in a couple of years, you can easily go and get a manager who is not at that level.

"Maresca can go up against any manager as he's proved. Whether it's Pep Guardiola, Arne Slot, Barcelona, Champions League. He's more than capable tactically and as a top coach."

He added: "I don't think Maresca is manager of Chelsea next season. I think when you come out and speak on your ownership like that and you start going public, it's a big problem. I don't see him there next season."

Chelsea face Cardiff City on the road at 8pm on Tuesday evening, with hopes of breaking into the semi-finals of the League Cup.