🔗 Share this article Blues Manager Maresca Rejects Man City Links as '100%' Rumour Enzo Maresca was once an assistant to Pep Guardiola with Manchester City. Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has branded recent talk connecting him with a move to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay. The 45-year-old, who once served as Pep Guardiola's assistant in Manchester, responded to the persistent speculation surrounding his future. Maresca, appointed Chelsea boss in June 2024, has a contract that runs through the end of the decade, with a possible extra year option. "It doesn't bother me at all because I know that is completely unfounded," Maresca said. "And at this moment, there is no time for such distractions." He went on to explain, "First of all, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my focus, I said many times, is solely on this club and I'm honoured to be here. But again, it's speculation. One week ago I was connected to a role in Italy with Juventus. So I ignore it because I know that is not true." Chelsea, currently sitting fourth in the Premier League, are set to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a 12:30 GMT fixture. Tensions After Previous Comments Maresca's most recent comments come after he described a recent two-day spell as his most difficult since arriving at Chelsea. Those original words had fueled widespread talk of a possible rift between the coach and the club's ownership hierarchy. When asked if he had discussed matters with the club's leadership, Maresca responded, "We are in the same facility, so we speak about various topics. But about the Everton press conference, no." The Italian however affirmed he would "absolutely" remain at the club for the coming campaign and urged supporters to "continue to support the team". In brighter news, Maresca revealed that injured attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back ahead of schedule, potentially available for a fixture against Aston Villa later this month. Perspective: Unresolved Tension The perceived disconnect between Maresca and the club's hierarchy remains as an unhealed issue that still cause concern. While there has been no further escalation of the matter in the open, there has also been no apology offered, creating the matter unaddressed. The mood during these press conferences has grown increasingly strained, raising concerns it could impact what has up to now been a decent start to the season. Chelsea's on-field situation is strong: they are fourth in the league, have qualified for the Carabao Cup last four, and can achieve a favourable European draw with strong results in their remaining matches. The lingering question is whether this behind-the-scenes dynamic might eventually affect a team that was just starting to appear cohesive.
Enzo Maresca was once an assistant to Pep Guardiola with Manchester City. Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has branded recent talk connecting him with a move to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay. The 45-year-old, who once served as Pep Guardiola's assistant in Manchester, responded to the persistent speculation surrounding his future. Maresca, appointed Chelsea boss in June 2024, has a contract that runs through the end of the decade, with a possible extra year option. "It doesn't bother me at all because I know that is completely unfounded," Maresca said. "And at this moment, there is no time for such distractions." He went on to explain, "First of all, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my focus, I said many times, is solely on this club and I'm honoured to be here. But again, it's speculation. One week ago I was connected to a role in Italy with Juventus. So I ignore it because I know that is not true." Chelsea, currently sitting fourth in the Premier League, are set to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a 12:30 GMT fixture. Tensions After Previous Comments Maresca's most recent comments come after he described a recent two-day spell as his most difficult since arriving at Chelsea. Those original words had fueled widespread talk of a possible rift between the coach and the club's ownership hierarchy. When asked if he had discussed matters with the club's leadership, Maresca responded, "We are in the same facility, so we speak about various topics. But about the Everton press conference, no." The Italian however affirmed he would "absolutely" remain at the club for the coming campaign and urged supporters to "continue to support the team". In brighter news, Maresca revealed that injured attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back ahead of schedule, potentially available for a fixture against Aston Villa later this month. Perspective: Unresolved Tension The perceived disconnect between Maresca and the club's hierarchy remains as an unhealed issue that still cause concern. While there has been no further escalation of the matter in the open, there has also been no apology offered, creating the matter unaddressed. The mood during these press conferences has grown increasingly strained, raising concerns it could impact what has up to now been a decent start to the season. Chelsea's on-field situation is strong: they are fourth in the league, have qualified for the Carabao Cup last four, and can achieve a favourable European draw with strong results in their remaining matches. The lingering question is whether this behind-the-scenes dynamic might eventually affect a team that was just starting to appear cohesive.