Enzo Fernández delighted to reunite with Maresca at City

Argentinian Enzo Fernández, Manchester City's latest signing, was officially unveiled this Tuesday following the agreement reached with Chelsea for his transfer. The 25-year-old player will reunite with his former coach Enzo Maresca, with whom he previously worked during last season at Stamford Bridge. The Italian, who took charge of the Citizens this summer replacing Pep Guardiola, played a key role in bringing Fernández to the Etihad Stadium.

A relationship of trust with Maresca

On Manchester City's official website, Fernández did not hide his enthusiasm at the prospect of working with Maresca again. The midfielder praised the tactician's qualities, whom he worked alongside during his time at Chelsea. "He's an excellent coach, honestly. I had him at my previous club. Those moments were incredible. I learned so much from him," he said. "I'm also grateful because he was very important in bringing me here. It's a huge pleasure for me to work alongside him and make the most of it." Fernández also mentioned the mutual excitement between him and Maresca to finalize this collaboration: "To be honest, we were both really eager for this to happen, because it wasn't easy for me to be here today. But I know he also made a big effort by speaking to the club, and I'm grateful to him for that."

A barely veiled message to Chelsea

Fernández's remarks about Maresca could be interpreted as a barely veiled criticism of his former club. Chelsea, now led by Xabi Alonso, had decided to part ways with the Italian after mixed results, despite his titles in the Europa Conference League and FIFA Club World Cup. The Argentine midfielder had also expressed his bewilderment at Maresca's departure earlier this year: "I don't understand it either. Sometimes there are things we, as players, don't grasp, the way they handle situations." He added: "Obviously, his departure hurt us because we had an identity. He gave us an organization, even if, as in football, it's sometimes good and sometimes bad. But he always had a very clear vision in training and matches, and his departure affected us deeply, especially mid-season, as it disrupted everything."

Maresca, the architect of a new project

Since his arrival at Manchester City, Maresca has quickly made his mark by revitalizing his coaching career. His profile has captivated the Citizens' management, who see in him a potential successor to Guardiola. Fernández, who endured a difficult season at Chelsea, now appears to have found a new lease on life under Maresca's guidance. "He has always had a very distinct identity, and that's what we were missing," he emphasized. Fernández's transfer, valued at €125 million, thus marks a turning point in his career and in Chelsea's sporting strategy, now deprived of a key player and a coach adored by his players.