As the speculation around Enzo Maresca’s future at Chelsea continues, David Ornstein has made an interesting claim about what’s coming out of Man City.
The media circus is in full swing at Chelsea following the bombshell exclusive from Ornstein claiming Maresca is being looked at to replace Pep Guardiola at City.
It comes after a turbulent week that called into question the relationship between the head coach and the decision-makers in Chelsea’s boardroom.
Ahead of Saturday’s trip to Newcastle, Maresca shut down the City rumours and reaffirmed his commitment to a future at Stamford Bridge.
Maresca ‘absolutely’ committed to Chelsea 👀
Enzo maresca quote
Photo by Chris Lee – Chelsea FC/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
What’s more likely?
Chelsea sack Maresca
Maresca decides to leave
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But with no possibility of developments until the summer, anyway, any other response would have been a shock. And now, another Ornstein reveal adds further doubt to the Italian’s future.
David Ornstein very confident about one thing happening at Man City
Naturally, the links between Maresca and City only came about because of the situation with one of the Premier League’s great managers.
Guardiola has been at the Etihad for nine seasons, dominating the division over that span and cementing City as a perennial contender for titles.
Uncertainty around his future has been a recurring theme in recent seasons, but Ornstein hasn’t quite seen it get this serious.
As he told The Athletic: ““I’ve been aware of Manchester City having some interest in Maresca for some time, so it’s not fresh, but you check with as many people as you can, trusted sources on the veracity of that and of course the Guardiola element to this story as well, because if he is continuing until 2027, then it’s largely a moot point.
Pep Guardiola of Man City and Enzo Maresca of Chelsea
Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
“And despite us having been in this position before with Guardiola and people thinking he was going to go last time — by the way, let’s be clear on that, this is not entirely new as a notion — but I personally have never had it so resounding from so many people that it’s going to be the end of this season. And they are well placed.”
Ornstein is as reliable a source as you’ll find, though everyone can be wrong.
If his ‘well-placed’ information is correct, Maresca’s personal ties to the Etihad could become a problem for Chelsea.
Plenty of time for change in Maresca’s thoughts
The Chelsea boss is a straight talker, but even the most honest of managers won’t be completely upfront when it comes to discussions behind the scenes. Chelsea have yet to comment on the Maresca links, either.
You would hope he really does intend on staying at Stamford Bridge, but there’s a long way to go until summer.
Are you happy with Enzo Maresca as Chelsea manager?
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If more clashes with the ownership occur, or if Chelsea’s form takes a dive in the second half of the season, his opinion might well change.
It’s a story to monitor as we approach the summer, and one that Chelsea will need to keep a close eye on themselves. One thing this story has done is shift the power dynamic of the relationship more in Maresca’s favour.
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