🔗 Share this article Blues Boss Maresca Rejects Manchester City Links as Pure Rumour Enzo Maresca previously worked as an coach to Pep Guardiola with Manchester City. Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has branded recent reports linking him with a move to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay. The Italian manager, who once served as Pep Guardiola's assistant at the Etihad, responded to the ongoing speculation about his next move. Maresca, appointed Chelsea boss in the summer of 2024, is under contract running through the end of the decade, with a possible extension available. "It doesn't bother me at all because I know that is 100% speculation," Maresca stated. "And at this moment, there is little room for such distractions." He further elaborated, Primarily, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my attention, I said many times, is just about 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 don't pay attention because I know that is without foundation." Chelsea, currently sitting in fourth position in the top flight, are set to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a 12:30 GMT kick-off. Tensions Following Previous Remarks Maresca's latest statement come in the wake of he described a previous 48-hour period as his most difficult since joining Chelsea. Those original words had fueled considerable talk of a potential rift between the coach and the club's ownership hierarchy. When pressed if he had discussed matters with the Chelsea's leadership, Maresca responded, "We are in the same building, so we talk about various topics. But about the Everton media session, no." The Italian however affirmed he would definitely remain at the club next season and called on the fans to keep backing the team". In brighter news, Maresca revealed that sidelined attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back sooner than expected, potentially available for a match against Aston Villa later this month. Analysis: Unresolved Tension The apparent disconnect between Maresca and the club's hierarchy remains as an open wound that still create unease. While there has been no further escalation of the matter in the open, there has equally been no apology offered, creating the matter unresolved. The mood during the manager's press conferences has become increasingly strained, raising fears it could impact what has otherwise been a decent beginning to the season. Chelsea's on-field position is positive: they are fourth in the league, have reached the Carabao Cup last four, and can secure a favourable European position with good performances in their remaining matches. The lingering question is whether this off-field dynamic might begin to disrupt a team that was beginning to appear cohesive.
Enzo Maresca previously worked as an coach to Pep Guardiola with Manchester City. Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has branded recent reports linking him with a move to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay. The Italian manager, who once served as Pep Guardiola's assistant at the Etihad, responded to the ongoing speculation about his next move. Maresca, appointed Chelsea boss in the summer of 2024, is under contract running through the end of the decade, with a possible extension available. "It doesn't bother me at all because I know that is 100% speculation," Maresca stated. "And at this moment, there is little room for such distractions." He further elaborated, Primarily, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my attention, I said many times, is just about 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 don't pay attention because I know that is without foundation." Chelsea, currently sitting in fourth position in the top flight, are set to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a 12:30 GMT kick-off. Tensions Following Previous Remarks Maresca's latest statement come in the wake of he described a previous 48-hour period as his most difficult since joining Chelsea. Those original words had fueled considerable talk of a potential rift between the coach and the club's ownership hierarchy. When pressed if he had discussed matters with the Chelsea's leadership, Maresca responded, "We are in the same building, so we talk about various topics. But about the Everton media session, no." The Italian however affirmed he would definitely remain at the club next season and called on the fans to keep backing the team". In brighter news, Maresca revealed that sidelined attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back sooner than expected, potentially available for a match against Aston Villa later this month. Analysis: Unresolved Tension The apparent disconnect between Maresca and the club's hierarchy remains as an open wound that still create unease. While there has been no further escalation of the matter in the open, there has equally been no apology offered, creating the matter unresolved. The mood during the manager's press conferences has become increasingly strained, raising fears it could impact what has otherwise been a decent beginning to the season. Chelsea's on-field position is positive: they are fourth in the league, have reached the Carabao Cup last four, and can secure a favourable European position with good performances in their remaining matches. The lingering question is whether this off-field dynamic might begin to disrupt a team that was beginning to appear cohesive.