🔗 Share this article Blues Manager Maresca Rejects Man City Links as '100%' Rumour Enzo Maresca was once an coach to Pep Guardiola with Manchester City. Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has branded recent talk linking 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 ongoing speculation surrounding his next move. Maresca, appointed Chelsea boss in the summer of 2024, is under contract that runs through the end of the decade, with a possible extension option. "It doesn't affect me at all because I know that is completely unfounded," Maresca stated. "And at this moment, there is no time for such distractions." He further elaborated, "First of all, because I have a contract here until 2029. 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 connected to 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 12:30 GMT kick-off. Tensions Following Recent Comments Maresca's most recent statement come after he referred to a recent two-day spell as his most difficult since arriving at Chelsea. Those initial words had sparked widespread speculation of a possible rift between the coach and the club's key decision-makers. When asked if he had discussed matters with the Chelsea's leadership, Maresca replied, "We are in the same building, 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 called on the fans to "continue to support the team". In more positive news, Maresca indicated that injured forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return ahead of schedule, potentially in contention for a fixture against Aston Villa later this month. Perspective: An 'Open Wound' The apparent disconnect between Maresca and the club's hierarchy persists as an open wound that still cause concern. While there has been no further escalation of the situation in the open, there has also been no apology offered, leaving the matter unaddressed. The atmosphere during these media briefings has grown increasingly awkward, leading to concerns it could undermine what has otherwise been a promising start to the campaign. Chelsea's sporting position is strong: they are in the top four in the Premier League, have qualified for the Carabao Cup last four, and can secure a favourable European position with strong performances in their remaining matches. The prevailing question is whether this off-field dynamic might eventually affect a team that was beginning to look cohesive.
Enzo Maresca was once an coach to Pep Guardiola with Manchester City. Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has branded recent talk linking 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 ongoing speculation surrounding his next move. Maresca, appointed Chelsea boss in the summer of 2024, is under contract that runs through the end of the decade, with a possible extension option. "It doesn't affect me at all because I know that is completely unfounded," Maresca stated. "And at this moment, there is no time for such distractions." He further elaborated, "First of all, because I have a contract here until 2029. 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 connected to 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 12:30 GMT kick-off. Tensions Following Recent Comments Maresca's most recent statement come after he referred to a recent two-day spell as his most difficult since arriving at Chelsea. Those initial words had sparked widespread speculation of a possible rift between the coach and the club's key decision-makers. When asked if he had discussed matters with the Chelsea's leadership, Maresca replied, "We are in the same building, 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 called on the fans to "continue to support the team". In more positive news, Maresca indicated that injured forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return ahead of schedule, potentially in contention for a fixture against Aston Villa later this month. Perspective: An 'Open Wound' The apparent disconnect between Maresca and the club's hierarchy persists as an open wound that still cause concern. While there has been no further escalation of the situation in the open, there has also been no apology offered, leaving the matter unaddressed. The atmosphere during these media briefings has grown increasingly awkward, leading to concerns it could undermine what has otherwise been a promising start to the campaign. Chelsea's sporting position is strong: they are in the top four in the Premier League, have qualified for the Carabao Cup last four, and can secure a favourable European position with strong performances in their remaining matches. The prevailing question is whether this off-field dynamic might eventually affect a team that was beginning to look cohesive.