🔗 Share this article Blues Boss Maresca Dismisses Manchester City Links as Pure Rumour Enzo Maresca previously worked as an coach to Pep Guardiola with Manchester City. Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has labelled recent reports connecting him with a move to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay. The Italian manager, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man in Manchester, responded to the persistent speculation surrounding his future. Maresca, appointed Chelsea manager in the summer of 2024, is under contract that runs until 2029, with a potential extension option. "It doesn't bother me at all because I know that is completely unfounded," Maresca stated. "And at this moment, there is little room for such distractions." He went on to explain, "First of all, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my focus, I have stated many times, is solely on this club and I'm very proud to be here. But again, it's rumour. One week ago I was linked with a role in Italy with Juventus. So I ignore it because I know that is not true." Chelsea, currently sitting in fourth position in the top flight, are scheduled to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a 12:30 GMT fixture. Strain After Previous Remarks Maresca's most recent statement follow after he described a previous 48-hour period as his most difficult since joining Chelsea. Those initial words had sparked widespread speculation of a potential disagreement between the coach and the club's ownership hierarchy. When asked if he had since spoken with the Chelsea's leadership, Maresca replied, "We are in the same facility, so we speak about different things. But about the Everton media session, no." The manager did confirm he would definitely remain at the club next season and called on the fans to "continue to support 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 fixture against Aston Villa on 27 December. Analysis: Unresolved Tension The perceived strain between Maresca and the club's hierarchy persists as an open wound that continues to cause concern. While there has been no further escalation of the situation in the open, there has also been no resolution offered, creating the matter unaddressed. The atmosphere during these media briefings has grown notably strained, leading to concerns it could impact what has up to now been a decent beginning to the season. Chelsea's on-field position is strong: they are fourth in the Premier League, have qualified for the Carabao Cup last four, and can secure a favourable Champions League position with strong performances in their remaining games. The lingering uncertainty is whether this behind-the-scenes situation might eventually affect a team that was just starting to look settled.
Enzo Maresca previously worked as an coach to Pep Guardiola with Manchester City. Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has labelled recent reports connecting him with a move to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay. The Italian manager, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man in Manchester, responded to the persistent speculation surrounding his future. Maresca, appointed Chelsea manager in the summer of 2024, is under contract that runs until 2029, with a potential extension option. "It doesn't bother me at all because I know that is completely unfounded," Maresca stated. "And at this moment, there is little room for such distractions." He went on to explain, "First of all, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my focus, I have stated many times, is solely on this club and I'm very proud to be here. But again, it's rumour. One week ago I was linked with a role in Italy with Juventus. So I ignore it because I know that is not true." Chelsea, currently sitting in fourth position in the top flight, are scheduled to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a 12:30 GMT fixture. Strain After Previous Remarks Maresca's most recent statement follow after he described a previous 48-hour period as his most difficult since joining Chelsea. Those initial words had sparked widespread speculation of a potential disagreement between the coach and the club's ownership hierarchy. When asked if he had since spoken with the Chelsea's leadership, Maresca replied, "We are in the same facility, so we speak about different things. But about the Everton media session, no." The manager did confirm he would definitely remain at the club next season and called on the fans to "continue to support 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 fixture against Aston Villa on 27 December. Analysis: Unresolved Tension The perceived strain between Maresca and the club's hierarchy persists as an open wound that continues to cause concern. While there has been no further escalation of the situation in the open, there has also been no resolution offered, creating the matter unaddressed. The atmosphere during these media briefings has grown notably strained, leading to concerns it could impact what has up to now been a decent beginning to the season. Chelsea's on-field position is strong: they are fourth in the Premier League, have qualified for the Carabao Cup last four, and can secure a favourable Champions League position with strong performances in their remaining games. The lingering uncertainty is whether this behind-the-scenes situation might eventually affect a team that was just starting to look settled.