Enzo Maresca fires Chelsea transfer warning as Liam Rosenior shares PSG problem

Enzo Maresca has warned Chelsea, and other top clubs, to 'adapt' to the new demands of the football calendar

Enzo Maresca has warned higher-ups at Stamford Bridge to 'adapt'. The 45-year-old stepped down as Chelsea head coach on New Year's Day after falling out with senior officials.

football.london understands that Maresca had an argument with a member of the medical department. The Italian, who had won the Conference League and Club World Cup the previous season, often used players against expert advice.

In the days leading up to the win over Everton, Maresca infamously described the experience as his 'worst' since joining the Blues in June 2024. It's understood that Chelsea's higher-ups were astounded by his comments.

After weeks of trying to mend the relationship, he, his representatives and senior officials held intense talks before deciding to part ways. A few days later, Maresca broke his silence with a post on social media, thanking the players and fans for their support.

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One month on, and the former Blues boss has been given the 'Panchina d’Oro Speciale' – an award for the best overseas Italian coach – for his achievements. Maresca was presented the award at Coverciano, home to the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) and known as the 'University of Football'.

During his appearance at the ceremony, the former Leicester City boss was quizzed on the increased number of games in the football calendar. As quoted by Italian media, Maresca: "What do I think about the fact that we play too much?

"Either you adapt, or you don’t train, or you don’t play a player. The reality is that there are more and more games: with Chelsea playing in the Club World Cup, we didn’t take holidays, retirement, everything is a consequence."

Chelsea had less than two weeks to recharge their batteries before beginning pre-season preparations, having gone the distance – and beating Paris Saint-Germain – in the Club World Cup final. The new Premier League season then kicked off about three weeks later.

In an effort to combat the tremendous workload, the Blues forked out nearly £300m on new players. Maresca added: "A few days ago, a FIFA study came out that indicated Chelsea and PSG as the teams with the most injuries, coincidentally, the finalists of the World Cup.

"In short, either you adapt, or you struggle," added the Italian. Despite a wave of injuries at Cobham, higher-ups at Stamford Bridge were reluctant to sign any more players during the January transfer window.

When asked if he planned to return to work in Italy, Maresca replied: "Serie A is always interesting and competitive. I didn't say I wouldn't return, just that I've been abroad for seven or eight years now and I'm happy: we'll see.

"The special Panchina d'Oro? Representing the Italian coaching academy abroad is a responsibility and an honour. We enjoy a lot of respect abroad."

On the national team, currently managed by Gennaro Gattuso, Maresca said: "I hope and I hope they manage to qualify. When you're abroad, they make fun of you a bit."