Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has offered his public support to Enzo Maresca following the Italian's abrupt departure from Chelsea, crediting his rival with having done a 'terrific job' at Stamford Bridge.
Shock Exit After 18 Months
Chelsea dropped the bombshell news on New Year's Day, confirming Maresca had left his role as head coach after just 18 months in charge. The exit came with the Club World Cup holders sitting fifth in the Premier League table, having been tipped as genuine title contenders earlier in the season.
The decision follows a reported lack of support felt by Maresca and a damaging run of form. Chelsea have won just two of their last nine matches in all competitions, ramping up pressure on the former manager. His departure was confirmed just three days before a crucial clash with Manchester City.
Arteta's Respectful Reaction
Ahead of Arsenal's match against Bournemouth, Arteta was asked for his reaction to the seismic news in west London. The Gunners boss was full of praise for his counterpart.
'I wish him all the best,' Arteta told reporters. 'I really like Enzo as a person, as a professional. I think he's done a terrific job at Chelsea. That's the decision that has been made and I just wish him all the best.'
The two sides played out a 1-1 draw at Stamford Bridge in late November, a match where Chelsea held firm despite a red card for Moises Caicedo. It remains one of only five games where Arsenal have dropped points this Premier League season.
Contrasting Fortunes for London Rivals
The mood at the two clubs could hardly be more different. While Chelsea begin another managerial search, Arsenal are flying high. Arteta's men are targeting a fifth consecutive league win after a comprehensive 4-1 victory over Aston Villa.
'It was very good, obviously, after the game against really tough opposition,' Arteta said of the squad's feeling. 'To perform and to win in the manner that we did, it was great. Now we focus on Bournemouth.'
The Gunners will be wary of a Bournemouth side that did the double over them last season, including a shock 2-1 win at the Emirates that dented their title hopes. Arteta acknowledged the lessons learned and the threat posed by Andoni Iraola's team.
Meanwhile, Chelsea have placed Under-21 boss Calum McFarlane in temporary charge for the trip to Manchester City. Strasbourg's Liam Rosenior is considered the leading candidate to become the seventh permanent manager of the Todd Boehly era, as the hunt for Maresca's successor gets underway.
