🔗 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 labelled recent reports 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, responded to the ongoing speculation about his future. Maresca, appointed Chelsea boss in June 2024, has a contract running through the end of the decade, with a potential extra year 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 these kind of things." He went on to explain, Primarily, because I have a contract here for several more years. 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 speculation. One week ago I was linked with Juventus in Italy. So I don't pay attention because I know that is without foundation." Chelsea, presently placed fourth in the Premier League, are scheduled to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a lunchtime fixture. Tensions Following Previous Comments Maresca's most recent comments follow in the wake of he referred to a recent 48-hour period as his "worst" since joining Chelsea. Those initial words had sparked considerable talk 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 sporting directors, Maresca replied, "We are in the same building, so we speak about various topics. But about the Everton press conference, no." The Italian did confirm he would "absolutely" stay at the club next season and called on the fans to "continue to support the team". In brighter news, Maresca indicated that injured forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return sooner than expected, possibly available for a fixture against Aston Villa on 27 December. Perspective: Unresolved Tension The perceived disconnect between Maresca and the Chelsea board remains as an unhealed issue that still create unease. While there has been no further escalation of the situation in the open, there has equally been no apology offered, creating the disagreement unaddressed. The atmosphere during the manager's press conferences has become increasingly awkward, raising concerns it could impact what has up to now been a promising start to the campaign. Chelsea's on-field position is strong: they are in the top four in the Premier League, have qualified for the Carabao Cup last four, and can achieve a better European draw with good performances in their remaining games. The prevailing question is whether this behind-the-scenes situation might eventually disrupt a team that was beginning to look settled.
Enzo Maresca was once an assistant to Pep Guardiola with Manchester City. Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has labelled recent reports 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, responded to the ongoing speculation about his future. Maresca, appointed Chelsea boss in June 2024, has a contract running through the end of the decade, with a potential extra year 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 these kind of things." He went on to explain, Primarily, because I have a contract here for several more years. 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 speculation. One week ago I was linked with Juventus in Italy. So I don't pay attention because I know that is without foundation." Chelsea, presently placed fourth in the Premier League, are scheduled to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a lunchtime fixture. Tensions Following Previous Comments Maresca's most recent comments follow in the wake of he referred to a recent 48-hour period as his "worst" since joining Chelsea. Those initial words had sparked considerable talk 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 sporting directors, Maresca replied, "We are in the same building, so we speak about various topics. But about the Everton press conference, no." The Italian did confirm he would "absolutely" stay at the club next season and called on the fans to "continue to support the team". In brighter news, Maresca indicated that injured forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return sooner than expected, possibly available for a fixture against Aston Villa on 27 December. Perspective: Unresolved Tension The perceived disconnect between Maresca and the Chelsea board remains as an unhealed issue that still create unease. While there has been no further escalation of the situation in the open, there has equally been no apology offered, creating the disagreement unaddressed. The atmosphere during the manager's press conferences has become increasingly awkward, raising concerns it could impact what has up to now been a promising start to the campaign. Chelsea's on-field position is strong: they are in the top four in the Premier League, have qualified for the Carabao Cup last four, and can achieve a better European draw with good performances in their remaining games. The prevailing question is whether this behind-the-scenes situation might eventually disrupt a team that was beginning to look settled.