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Chelsea have won the Uefa Conference League and Fifa Club World Cup with Enzo Maresca at the helm Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca is unlikely to get any "protection" after making cryptic comments seemingly aimed at the club's ownership, says former Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney. The Italian described the build-up to Saturday's Premier League victory over Everton as "the worst 48 hours" since he arrived at the club in June 2024. In an extraordinary outburst, the 45-year-old suggested that he and his team had not been supported before refusing to clarify who his comments were directed at. "For me it was very similar to the Mo Salah situation last week where it was very premeditated, " said the ex England striker on the latest episode of The Wayne Rooney Show, which you can now listen to on BBC Sounds. "He knows exactly what he is saying and who he is aiming it at and the board and owners at Chelsea will know it is aimed at them. " Chelsea currently sit fourth in the English top flight but had only taken two points from the previous nine available prior to the weekend with a loss at Atalanta in the Champions League also thrown into that run. And unlike the very public backing that Ruben Amorim received from Manchester United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe earlier this season, Rooney believes that Maresca's words will have done himself few favours if the club endure any further blips. "You've got to respect the owners of a football club. They employ you and bring you in, so it's their way and I feel he's gone a bit against that, " Rooney added. "It is something that's clearly happened, whether it's a disagreement or he feels his job is under pressure and he doesn't feel it should be because of the two trophies he's won and the points he's picked up. "I don't feel like he's a manager that will backtrack. He has got a passion about him and a drive about him. Whether he has heard things, like the club might want him out and he's been proactive to go on the front foot, you don't know why he's done it. It's very strange. "I don't think he'll get the protection now he's come out and done what he has done. That will be very difficult for the club to come and protect him, which is a shame. " Watch the Wayne Rooney Show on BBC Sport You Tube, external, and i Player. Listen on BBC Sounds. Latest Chelsea news, analysis and fan views Ask about Chelsea - what do you want to know? England overlook Bashir for crucial Ashes Test 'Not good enough' - Amorim admits he and Man Utd are 'underachieving' Palmer & Foden on target - but Rogers 'has to start' at World Cup David Dimbleby takes a personal look at the role of the monarchy Celebrate Christmas the 80s way with Gary Davies Drama based on Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe's fight for justice Chris Mc Causland joins Emma to discuss dancing blind on TV Man City favourites and Liverpool in trouble - how WSL stands at winter break Mahomes tears ACL as Chiefs miss out on NFL play-offs Palmer & Foden on target - but Rogers 'has to start' at World Cup Liverpool 'united as one' after Salah return - Van Dijk Mc Cullum hints at unchanged batting line-up. Video Mc Cullum hints at unchanged batting line-up 'Anger and disappointment' as fans priced out of World Cup 'Fantastic human' Russo shines in Arsenal win at Everton Sutton's predictions v England Gaming star Daniel 'Stingray' Ray 'There can only be one singer' - my secrets of successful man-management Scotland's Burke scores stunner as Union beat RB Leipzig. Video Scotland's Burke scores stunner as Union beat RB Leipzig 'This club can turn things around' - Bernardo Silva on Man City. Video'This club can turn things around' - Bernardo Silva on Man City Rooney 'got death threats' after making Man Utd move BBC Sports Personality of the Year 2025 contenders. Video BBC Sports Personality of the Year 2025 contenders Barcelona 'not a pressure' for on-loan Rashford 'Mine was for social change, this is not' - King on Battle of the Sexes The man behind the headlines - Salah, by Klopp, Diaz and more World Darts Championship - Draw, seeds, prize money 'I hated rugby' - how Heyes turned around England career Biggest rule change ever and Brit teen - what's new in F1 in 2026? Copyright © 2025 BBC. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read about our approach to external linking.


