“It was very similar to the Mo Salah situation” - Wayne Rooney warns Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca about premeditated comments

Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney believes Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca's comments about the club were premeditated, like Mohamed Salah's explosive comments about Liverpool earlier this month. He has warned the Italian that he will be leaving himself in a tough spot with the owners if he continues to express himself in the media.

Speaking on his BBC show, Rooney said Maresca knew who he was targeting and was sending a clear message through the media. He said:

"For me, it was very similar to the Mo Salah situation last week, where it was very premeditated. 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."

Rooney went on to warn Maresca that he needs to respect the club hierarchy and that it is unlikely that all managers receive the public backing Sir Jim Ratcliffe gave Ruben Amorim at Manchester United. He added:

"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. 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."

Enzo Maresca's Chelsea are sitting fourth in the Premier League table after beating Everton 2-0 at Stamford Bridge in game week 16.

Worst 48 hours since joining Chelsea, said Enzo Maresca

Enzo Maresca took a cheeky dig at the Chelsea hierarchy after the win over Everton, claiming that he does not have the support he needs at the club. The Italian manager conveyed that the squad and he need to be backed and said (via BBC):

"The way the players want to learn has been fantastic and this is the reason why I praise them - because with so many problems, they are doing very well after a complicated week. Since I joined the club, the last 48 hours have been the worst because many people didn't support us."

Enzo Maresca is due to talk to the media on Monday, December 15, ahead of their Carabao Cup clash against Cardiff City this week.