Enzo Maresca shocked Chelsea with Man City revelation

Tom Weber

• 1 Jan 2026 10:02 CST
• 3 min read

News

Enzo Maresca informed Chelsea three times that he had held talks with Manchester City before his departure, according to David Ornstein.

The Italian has left his role as Chelsea head coach after an explosive 48 hours in which tension that had been bubbling for a year came to a head following a 2-2 draw with Bournemouth on Tuesday.

FootballTransfers understands that Maresca had a confrontation with a senior figure at Chelsea in the immediate aftermath of the game, which prompted the Italian to refuse to carry out his media duties.

Maresca has now departed his role after his situation had become untenable. The 45-year-old hinted at his frustration with club chiefs earlier in December when he said that the 48 hours in the build-up to a clash with Everton had been the worst of his tenure due to a lack of support.

Shortly after his outburst, The Athletic revealed that Maresca is one of the favourites to succeed Pep Guardiola at Man City if and when he decides to leave his role at the Etihad.

Maresca has already held talks with City

Maresca was previously an assistant to Guardiola, who signed a contract extension until the end of next season in November 2024. However, it has been suggested that the Spaniard could walk away from his role already this summer.

Now, David Ornstein reports that talks between Man City and Maresca have already taken place. Chelsea were aware of these discussions as the Italian was contractually obliged to inform them of discussions with suitors.

Maresca did so twice in October and then once again after his Everton comments. Ben Jacobs reports that this took Chelsea by surprise and gave rise to some distrust. Some figures at Stamford Bridge believed that the 45-year-old had become distracted by the interest.

The coach's future remains uncertain for now because of the question marks looming over Guardiola. There is no guarantee that the Spaniard will depart in the summer, so Maresca, if he is keen on the Man City job, may have to bide his time for the next 18 months.

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