🔗 Share this article Blues Manager Maresca Dismisses Man City Links as Pure Rumour Enzo Maresca was once an assistant to Pep Guardiola with Manchester City. Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has branded fresh talk linking him with a return to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay. The Italian manager, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man in Manchester, addressed the persistent rumours surrounding his future. Maresca, appointed Chelsea boss in June 2024, is under contract running until 2029, with a possible extra year option. "It doesn't affect me at all because I know that is 100% speculation," Maresca said. "And at this moment, there is little room for such distractions." He further elaborated, "First of all, because I have a contract here for several more years. And my attention, I have stated many times, is solely on this club and I'm honoured to be here. But again, it's rumour. One week ago I was linked with a role in Italy with Juventus. So I don't pay attention because I know that is not true." Chelsea, currently sitting in fourth position in the Premier League, are set to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a lunchtime kick-off. Tensions After Recent Remarks Maresca's latest statement come after he described a recent two-day spell as his "worst" since joining Chelsea. Those initial words had sparked considerable talk of a possible rift between the coach and the club's ownership hierarchy. When asked if he had since spoken with the club's sporting directors, Maresca responded, "We are in the same building, so we speak about different things. But about the post-Everton media session, no." The Italian however affirmed he would definitely stay at the club next season and urged supporters to keep backing the team". In brighter news, Maresca indicated that injured attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return sooner than expected, possibly in contention for a match against Aston Villa later this month. Analysis: Unresolved Tension The apparent disconnect between Maresca and the Chelsea board persists as an open wound that continues to cause concern. While there has been no further escalation of the matter publicly, there has equally been no resolution offered, leaving the matter unresolved. The atmosphere during the manager's media briefings has become increasingly strained, leading to concerns it could impact what has otherwise been a promising beginning to the season. Chelsea's on-field situation is strong: they are fourth in the league, have reached the League Cup last four, and can secure a favourable Champions League draw with good performances in their remaining games. The lingering uncertainty is whether this off-field dynamic might eventually affect a squad that was just starting to appear settled.
Enzo Maresca was once an assistant to Pep Guardiola with Manchester City. Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has branded fresh talk linking him with a return to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay. The Italian manager, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man in Manchester, addressed the persistent rumours surrounding his future. Maresca, appointed Chelsea boss in June 2024, is under contract running until 2029, with a possible extra year option. "It doesn't affect me at all because I know that is 100% speculation," Maresca said. "And at this moment, there is little room for such distractions." He further elaborated, "First of all, because I have a contract here for several more years. And my attention, I have stated many times, is solely on this club and I'm honoured to be here. But again, it's rumour. One week ago I was linked with a role in Italy with Juventus. So I don't pay attention because I know that is not true." Chelsea, currently sitting in fourth position in the Premier League, are set to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a lunchtime kick-off. Tensions After Recent Remarks Maresca's latest statement come after he described a recent two-day spell as his "worst" since joining Chelsea. Those initial words had sparked considerable talk of a possible rift between the coach and the club's ownership hierarchy. When asked if he had since spoken with the club's sporting directors, Maresca responded, "We are in the same building, so we speak about different things. But about the post-Everton media session, no." The Italian however affirmed he would definitely stay at the club next season and urged supporters to keep backing the team". In brighter news, Maresca indicated that injured attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return sooner than expected, possibly in contention for a match against Aston Villa later this month. Analysis: Unresolved Tension The apparent disconnect between Maresca and the Chelsea board persists as an open wound that continues to cause concern. While there has been no further escalation of the matter publicly, there has equally been no resolution offered, leaving the matter unresolved. The atmosphere during the manager's media briefings has become increasingly strained, leading to concerns it could impact what has otherwise been a promising beginning to the season. Chelsea's on-field situation is strong: they are fourth in the league, have reached the League Cup last four, and can secure a favourable Champions League draw with good performances in their remaining games. The lingering uncertainty is whether this off-field dynamic might eventually affect a squad that was just starting to appear settled.