Enzo Maresca Addresses Manchester City Links Amid Chelsea Turmoil
Enzo Maresca, Chelsea's head coach, has downplayed recent speculation connecting him with Manchester City, where he served as assistant to Pep Guardiola in the 2022-23 season. The rumors emerged partly due to Maresca's agent Jorge Mendes having close ties with City's sporting director Hugo Viana and the narrative that he might succeed Guardiola at the club.
Maresca made statements to reporters suggesting that the Manchester City links were part of a public relations battle. He emphasized his support for Chelsea fans despite a recent period of uncertainty around his tenure.
The situation at Chelsea has been tense following Maresca's outburst after a dull win against Everton. He has since avoided explaining his discontent, raising questions about his relationship with the club's hierarchy. Chelsea insiders highlighted ongoing feedback between Maresca and the club's sporting directors. However, there has been scrutiny over his tactical decisions, including substitutions during a defeat to Atalanta.
The club operates with a five-person recruitment team and maintains long contracts for young players, under a governance structure that is not led by the head coach. Discussions between Maresca and the Sporting Directors reportedly have not focused on the Everton press conference incident.
Chelsea plans to review Maresca's position at the end of the season. Although his contract runs until 2029, Maresca has declined to commit to a new deal. The club is seeking stability and has shown reluctance to make a mid-season managerial change.
