Man City’s Maresca refuses to discuss Chelsea’s Enzo Fernandez

Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca has declined to discuss reports linking Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez with a move to the Etihad, saying such comments would show a lack of respect for the player and his club.

Fernandez is under contract at Chelsea, and Maresca said his attention should remain on the players available to him at Manchester City. He also made clear that he would not welcome rival managers speaking publicly about City players in similar circumstances.

The reports have emerged as City prepare for their opening Premier League match against Bournemouth at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday. Fernandez has been mentioned as a possible midfield target as City adjust after Rodri’s departure.

Maresca is beginning his competitive tenure as City manager following Pep Guardiola’s departure. His first major test will come against a Bournemouth side he considers difficult to face because of its intensity and clearly established approach.

The City manager said Bournemouth have retained the aggressive identity they showed under Andoni Iraola. His assessment covers both phases of play, with the team’s methods in possession and without the ball standing out to him after reviewing their pre-season matches and performances from last season.

City’s preparations have also followed a defeat by Arsenal in the Community Shield. The Bournemouth fixture will therefore provide Maresca with his first Premier League opportunity to establish his own competitive start, while the Fernandez speculation remains outside the discussion he is willing to entertain.