Enzo Maresca shuts down 'worst 48 hours' remark as Chelsea target Cardiff victory

Speaking ahead of today's tie at the Cardiff City Stadium, Maresca made it clear that he had no interest in revisiting the comment and that Chelsea's focus is firmly on reaching another semi-final.

Chelsea arrive in Wales after narrow cup wins earlier in the competition and know they are the only Premier League side left facing lower-league opposition at this stage.

"I already spoke about that and I don't have nothing to add," Maresca said. "It's Cardiff tomorrow, please. I was quite clear. My focus is on tomorrow's game and that we can achieve the third semi-final in my time at the club.

"We are in an era where everyone can say what they think. I respect people's opinions, but my focus is on tomorrow. I don't have nothing else to add."

When asked directly about his commitment to the role, the Chelsea head coach was emphatic. "Absolutely, yes," he said.

Maresca acknowledged the dangers of cup football, particularly against motivated opponents, but stressed that Chelsea must approach the match with the right mentality. "These are the worst games for these reasons," he said. "Football is full of these kinds of games. The focus needs to be on Cardiff."

He added that the competition matters to the club and its supporters. "It's something we want to achieve for the fans. This club has history, and we need to do our best tomorrow to try and reach another semi-final.

"Since I joined, I always spoke about building a winning mentality by winning games."

Maresca also accepted the pressure that comes with the job. "When you are Chelsea manager, you understand the expectations are higher," he said. "That is normal when you are Chelsea players or manager.

"We are in the right direction, and we feel we are getting better and better."

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