Fired Ex-Chelsea Boss Enzo Maresca Was Already Plotting Exit To Premier League Rivals, per Insider

Enzo Maresca was planning his future post-Chelsea, months before he was sacked by the Stamford Bridge side. The Italian held talks with a Premier League rival on three occasions, and that played a key role in his sacking.

Enzo Maresca Spoke to Manchester City During Chelsea Stint

The Athletic has reported that Maresca spoke to Manchester City on three occasions this season. His impressive display at Chelsea caught the attention of the Cityzens, who are looking for a long-term replacement for Pep Guardiola.

David Ornstein claims the first two meetings took place in October, with the most recent in December. The Italian was obligated to inform the Blues about any contact he had with other clubs because of a clause in his contract.

Maresca also changed his agent during the season, switching from Wasserman to Gestifute, and is not managed by superagent Jorge Mendes.

Maresca Downplayed Manchester City Talks

Maresca’s links with Manchester City started in mid-December, and the Italian was questioned about the possible switch at the end of the season. The manager was quick to rebuff the reports, saying he was focused on the Blues and was happy at Stamford Bridge.

The former Leicester City boss claimed it was all media speculation, adding that they had linked him with Juventus earlier in the season and said (via The Guardian):

“It doesn’t affect me at all because I know that is 100% speculation. And in this moment, there is no time for these kind of things. First of all, because I have a contract here until 2029 probably. My focus, I said many times, is just about this club and I’m very proud to be here. But again, it’s speculation. One week ago I was [being talked about] in Italy, the same with Juventus. So I don’t pay attention because I know that is not true.”

READ MORE: 3 Enzo Maresca Replacements Chelsea Should Consider With Italian’s Future Thrown Into Doubt After Bournemouth Draw

The 45-year-old went on to confidently claim that he would be at the club next season, as he had a contract until 2029, and added:

“Absolutely, yes. I have a contract until 2029, and this is speculation 100%. I have nothing to add. And if we continue to talk about that, that means that I’m paying attention to that. But I’m not focused on that. I’m just focused on the Newcastle game. I’m focused on my job. The other day, we achieved the third semi-final in 18 months. Last year I think was good also in terms of trophies, finishing fourth in the Premier League, bringing this club in the Champions League. Now the target is to try to improve.”

Guardiola also downplayed the rumors, saying that he had no plans to leave Manchester City.