The Italian was dismissed on New Year's Day by Chelsea and eventually replaced by Liam Rosenior, formerly of Strasbourg. The decision arriving despite Maresca having led Chelsea to final victories in the Europa Conference League and Club World Cup last season, along with Champions League qualification.
The Daily Mail says among several breaking points regarding the relationship between manager and board was Maresca's admission he had spoken to rival clubs earlier this season.
It's reported Maresca had informed Chelsea that he had spoken with representatives of former clubs Manchester City in October and Juventus in December.
Maresca's admission is said to have only intensified the tension between the two parties which eventually reached breaking point on January 1.