Yahoo News Enzo Maresca addresses power struggle question with Leicester City manager set for talks
Enzo Maresca’s dispute with the Leicester City hierarchy is not a battle for greater control over behind-the-scenes matters, the manager has insisted.
Within an hour of City’s Championship title win, Maresca was calling for sit-down talks with the club’s decision-makers on things he “didn’t like”. It seemed his two main concerns were with the failure to sign Stefano Sensi from Inter Milan in January and what that says about City’s transfer business, as well as the lack of communication and explanation over the club’s financial matters, with alleged breaches potentially meaning Maresca’s side may be hit with a points deduction upon their Premier League return.
That Maresca made his desire for talks public appeared to be a power move, knowing he was in a strong position to make demands after leading City back to the top flight as champions. But speaking just before the final game of the season against Blackburn, Maresca sought to downplay his intentions and has insisted he's not looking for a greater say in how the club is run.
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“No, no, I’m not asking for more control,” Maresca said. “Absolutely not. I’m asking just to be able to do my job that I’m being paid for. No more than that.
“It’s not even a problem. It’s just things that happen that I didn’t like during the season. You sit and you clarify. It’s like when you discuss and argue with your wife, you sit and try to clarify. It’s exactly the same.”
Maresca plans to hold those talks with the club and to begin planning for the new season in a few weeks' time. After a three-day break in Monte Carlo courtesy of the chairman, he's now heading away with his family for a well-earned holiday.
When back in the UK and discussing matters with the club, Maresca may hope for promises that adjustments will be made behind the scenes. His friend, the journalist Guillem Balague, suggested the City boss would “consider his options” if structural changes were not made, with Sevilla one of the clubs potentially offering him a route out.
Media in Spain have now downplayed the La Liga's interest in recent days though. It’s reported that City’s promotion to the Premier League has seen Maresca’s release clause double to €10m (£8.6m), and that cash-strapped Sevilla will now turn their attention elsewhere, rather than look to bring the Italian, who won two Uefa Cups with them, back to the club.
