Maresca Brushes Off Estevao–Yamal Noise

Enzo Maresca walked into the briefing room on Monday looking relaxed, the sort of calm that often hides a storm beneath. Chelsea face Barcelona on Tuesday, and somehow the biggest talking point wasn’t tactics but two teenagers. Few saw this coming.

Estevao’s arrival in July sparked excitement, and nine goals later, the chatter hasn’t stopped. Reporters pressed Maresca on whether Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal, just a few months younger, should be the benchmark. The Italian didn’t flinch.

“He’s already playing at a high level,” Maresca said, sounding almost amused. “He’s young, sure, and there’s plenty to improve. But we’re happy with him.” Short reply, big message.

A Rising Talent He Wants Protected

Maresca leaned back, almost as if the question bored him. But the tone softened when he spoke about Estevao’s future. “He’ll be an important player for this club, no doubt about it,” he added. “He just needs to be better than himself, day by day.”

You could feel the intent in those words. Not hype and pressure. Just a nudge toward patience. 

Injury Updates and a Tactical Hint

There was a little stir when Maresca mentioned Cole Palmer's recovery. “Cole is wearing a boot,” he said. “He’s on the pitch already, touching the ball. Feeling is good.” Then came the dampener. He isn’t expected back for Barcelona or the weekend trip to Arsenal. Gasps might be too strong, but you could sense a collective exhale.

Barcelona sit 11th in the league phase, level on seven points with Chelsea. Suddenly, the stakes feel sharper.

A Nod to Guardiola’s Influence

Maresca didn’t hide the influence of Pep Guardiola’s old Barcelona side. “I decided to be a manager because of that team,” he admitted. To be fair, many coaches did. But he made it clear that while styles vary, he’s sticking to his path.

As the room emptied, one thing felt certain: Chelsea may be heading into a memorable European night, but Maresca won’t let teenage comparisons steal the spotlight.