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Getty/GOALChelsea boss Enzo Maresca compared to Mohamed Salah by Wayne Rooney after 'premeditated' outburst as Man Utd legend fires 'no protection' warning
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Those that sign up for ExpressVPN's most popular plan, the Advance plan, gain access to a high-speed VPN, which offers high-capacity 40Gbps servers in many high-demand locations, with VPN servers in 113 countries worldwide.
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Over 28 monthsSave 73%
Protect 14 devices with the top ExpressVPN plan
Pro
Those that sign up for ExpressVPN's top-tier Express Pro plan gain access to a high-speed VPN, which offers high-capacity 40Gbps servers in many high-demand locations, with VPN servers in 113 countries worldwide.
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Additionally, ExpressVPN's Advanced plan includes the ExpressMailGuard, which offers an unlimited private email relay plus an unlimited number of shared aliases and 20 custom domains, ExpressKeys, which gives users a password management facility for an unlimited number of passwords plus a 2FA authenticator, and ExpressAI, an AI assistant that offers 500 credits a day, six AI models, a web search facility plus 2GB storage.
There is a 30-day money-back guarantee for new users. The plan is available on a one-month rolling contract, although those that sign up for a 12-month plan (offering one year plus an extra three months) can save around 60%, while those that sign up for a two-year plan (offering two years plus an extra four months) can save 67%. Both longer-term plans include a 3GB holiday.com eSIM that is valid for five days in 150+ destinations.
Over 28 monthsSave 67%
Protect 10 devices with high-speed VPN
Basic
Those that sign up for ExpressVPN's entry-level Basic plan gain access to a high-speed VPN, which offers high-capacity 40Gbps servers in many high-demand locations, with VPN servers in 113 countries worldwide.
The VPN can be applied across 10 different devices simultaneously, and offers Lite Protection that blocks ads and malicious and adult websites. A dedicated IP is available to be purchased as an add-on.
Additionally, ExpressVPN's Basic plan includes the ExpressMailGuard, which offers a 10MB/month private email relay plus 10 shared aliases.
There is a 30-day money-back guarantee for new users. The plan is available on a one-month rolling contract, although those that sign up for a 12-month plan (offering one year plus an extra three months) can save more than 60%, while those that sign up for a two-year plan (offering two years plus an extra four months) can save 80%.
Over 28 monthsSave 80%
Advanced protection across 11 devices with high-speed VPN
Advanced
Those that sign up for ExpressVPN's most popular plan, the Advance plan, gain access to a high-speed VPN, which offers high-capacity 40Gbps servers in many high-demand locations, with VPN servers in 113 countries worldwide.
The VPN can be applied across 12 different devices simultaneously, and offers Advanced Protection that blocks ads, trackers and malicious and adult websites. A dedicated IP is available to be purchased as an add-on.
Additionally, ExpressVPN's Advanced plan includes the ExpressMailGuard, which offers a 100MB/month private email relay plus 50 shared aliases and a custom domain, and ExpressKeys, which gives users a password management facility for an unlimited number of passwords plus a 2FA authenticator.
There is a 30-day money-back guarantee for new users. The plan is available on a one-month rolling contract, although those that sign up for a 12-month plan (offering one year plus an extra three months) can save more than 60%, while those that sign up for a two-year plan (offering two years plus an extra four months) can save 73%. Both longer-term plans include a 3GB holiday.com eSIM that is valid for three days in 150+ destinations.
Over 28 monthsSave 73%
Getty Images SportRooney says Maresca emulated Salah's media outburst
Rooney offered a blunt assessment of Maresca’s comments, suggesting they were far from accidental and carried a clear message. Speaking on the latest episode of The Wayne Rooney Show, the former England captain 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.”
Comparisons to Salah stem from the idea that Maresca, like the Liverpool forward in recent weeks, chose to go on the front foot through the media rather than remain silent. Rooney’s suggestion is that this was a proactive move, possibly driven by internal tension or fear of pressure building behind the scenes, rather than a spontaneous emotional reaction.
Rooney went on to explain why he believes the coach's approach could backfire, especially in an environment as unforgiving as Stamford Bridge. “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,” he 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.“
The former Manchester United striker also warned that Maresca may now struggle to receive backing if Chelsea’s form wavers again. “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,” Rooney concluded.
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Getty Images SportMaresca could be left unprotected if Chelsea's form drops further...
Chelsea now face a demanding run of fixtures before the end of the calendar year, starting with a Carabao Cup quarter-final away at Cardiff City. League trips to Newcastle and home clashes with Aston Villa and Bournemouth follow in quick succession, leaving little room for error as Maresca looks to stabilise results and quieten external noise. Performances over this stretch are likely to shape how his comments are viewed internally.
For Maresca, the challenge will be ensuring that his relationship with the club’s hierarchy remains intact. Ultimately, results will dictate the narrative. Continued wins would allow Maresca’s remarks to fade into the background, framed as an emotional release during a stressful period. Further setbacks, however, could amplify Rooney’s warning and leave the Chelsea boss increasingly exposed in one of the most unforgiving managerial environments in English football.
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