Photo by Yu Chun Christopher Wong/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images
Photo by Yu Chun Christopher Wong/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images
Former Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca managed his Manchester City side for the first time to defeat to Inter Milan in pre-season, with City fans giving mixed reviews on their new boss.
On the same day Xabi Alonso’s Chelsea were defeated by Tottenham in Sydney, City faced Inter in Hong Kong with Maresca at the helm for the first time.
There is some bad blood between Chelsea fans and the Italian after the circumstances regarding his departure back in January became apparent.
Player ratings vs Tottenham
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Man City fans divided on Enzo Maresca after first game since leaving Chelsea
It had emerged that Maresca had been in discussions with City already about replacing Pep Guardiola, with it seeming that had been their plan for some time.
It wasn’t a winning start for the new boss there though, with some City fans not being won over with what they had seen.
One user said on X: “Got to hand it to Maresca ngl he’s by far the best Pep copy cat out there. Sack him at HT.”
Manchester City v Inter Milan - Pre-Season Friendly
Photo by Yu Chun Christopher Wong/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images
Another added: “Has Maresca done anything with these guys? What’s his identity? What’s his game plan? What has he identified and improved? This is just Semenyo being individually brilliant.”
However, there were some who looked on their first outing under the new boss with more positivity.
One user said: “Maresca ball looking really good. Very direct.”
Finally, one stated: “Doing everything except scoring. I’m really happy overall though, Maresca ball looks good and that McAidoo is something.”
When will Chelsea face Maresca?
The Premier League will already be starting to take shape by the time Chelsea and Maresca are reunited this season.
The two sides will meet at The Etihad on the weekend of December 12, with the Blues looking to put an end to a five-year run where they have not beaten their rivals.
Maresca will return to Stamford Bridge late in the season. Chelsea will welcome City to West London on the weekend of April 24, with both games set to be selected for television coverage.
It is expected to be a hostile reception for the Italian despite the fact that he won the Club World Cup and Conference League during his time in charge.