🔗 Share this article Blues Manager Maresca Dismisses Man City Links as '100%' Gossip Enzo Maresca previously worked as an assistant to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has branded fresh talk linking him with a return to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay. The 45-year-old, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's assistant at the Etihad, responded to the persistent rumours surrounding his future. Maresca, appointed Chelsea manager in June 2024, has a contract that runs until 2029, with a possible extra year available. "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 further elaborated, "First of all, because I have a contract here for several more years. And my attention, 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 linked with a role in Italy with Juventus. So I ignore it because I know that is not true." Chelsea, presently placed fourth in the Premier League, are set to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a 12:30 GMT kick-off. Strain Following Recent Comments Maresca's most recent comments come in the wake of he described a recent 48-hour period as his "worst" since arriving at Chelsea. Those original words had sparked considerable speculation of a potential rift between the coach and the club's key decision-makers. When pressed if he had discussed matters with the club's sporting directors, Maresca replied, "We are in the same building, so we speak about different things. But about the Everton media session, no." The Italian did confirm he would definitely remain at the club for the coming campaign and called on supporters to "continue to support the team". In more positive news, Maresca indicated that injured forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back sooner than expected, potentially in contention for a fixture against Aston Villa later this month. Analysis: An 'Open Wound' The perceived disconnect between Maresca and the Chelsea board remains as an unhealed issue that still create unease. While there has been no deepening of the matter publicly, there has equally been no apology offered, leaving the disagreement unresolved. The atmosphere during the manager's media briefings has grown notably awkward, raising concerns it could impact what has otherwise been a promising start to the season. Chelsea's on-field position is positive: they are in the top four in the league, have qualified for the League Cup last four, and can achieve a better Champions League draw with good performances in their final games. The prevailing question is whether this behind-the-scenes situation might begin to affect a team that was beginning to appear settled.
Enzo Maresca previously worked as an assistant to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has branded fresh talk linking him with a return to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay. The 45-year-old, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's assistant at the Etihad, responded to the persistent rumours surrounding his future. Maresca, appointed Chelsea manager in June 2024, has a contract that runs until 2029, with a possible extra year available. "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 further elaborated, "First of all, because I have a contract here for several more years. And my attention, 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 linked with a role in Italy with Juventus. So I ignore it because I know that is not true." Chelsea, presently placed fourth in the Premier League, are set to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a 12:30 GMT kick-off. Strain Following Recent Comments Maresca's most recent comments come in the wake of he described a recent 48-hour period as his "worst" since arriving at Chelsea. Those original words had sparked considerable speculation of a potential rift between the coach and the club's key decision-makers. When pressed if he had discussed matters with the club's sporting directors, Maresca replied, "We are in the same building, so we speak about different things. But about the Everton media session, no." The Italian did confirm he would definitely remain at the club for the coming campaign and called on supporters to "continue to support the team". In more positive news, Maresca indicated that injured forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back sooner than expected, potentially in contention for a fixture against Aston Villa later this month. Analysis: An 'Open Wound' The perceived disconnect between Maresca and the Chelsea board remains as an unhealed issue that still create unease. While there has been no deepening of the matter publicly, there has equally been no apology offered, leaving the disagreement unresolved. The atmosphere during the manager's media briefings has grown notably awkward, raising concerns it could impact what has otherwise been a promising start to the season. Chelsea's on-field position is positive: they are in the top four in the league, have qualified for the League Cup last four, and can achieve a better Champions League draw with good performances in their final games. The prevailing question is whether this behind-the-scenes situation might begin to affect a team that was beginning to appear settled.