🔗 Share this article Blues Boss Maresca Rejects Man City Links as Pure Gossip Enzo Maresca was once an assistant to Pep Guardiola with Manchester City. Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has branded fresh talk linking him with a return to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay. The Italian manager, who once served as Pep Guardiola's assistant at the Etihad, addressed the persistent speculation surrounding his future. Maresca, named Chelsea manager in the summer of 2024, is under contract that runs through the end of the decade, with a potential extra year option. "It doesn't affect me at all because I know that is 100% speculation," Maresca stated. "And at this moment, there is no time for these kind of things." He further elaborated, Primarily, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my attention, I said 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 Juventus in Italy. So I ignore it because I know that is without foundation." Chelsea, currently sitting fourth in the top flight, are scheduled to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a lunchtime fixture. Tensions Following Previous Remarks Maresca's latest statement follow in the wake of he described a recent two-day spell as his most difficult since joining Chelsea. Those original words had fueled considerable talk of a potential disagreement between the manager and the club's key decision-makers. When asked if he had discussed matters with the Chelsea's sporting directors, Maresca responded, "We are in the same building, so we talk about different things. But about the Everton press conference, no." The manager however affirmed he would "absolutely" stay at the club for the coming campaign and called on the fans to "continue to support the team". In more positive news, Maresca revealed that sidelined attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return ahead of schedule, possibly available for a match against Aston Villa later this month. Perspective: An 'Open Wound' The apparent disconnect between Maresca and the club's hierarchy remains as an unhealed issue that continues to create unease. While there has been no further escalation of the matter publicly, there has also been no resolution offered, creating the matter unaddressed. The mood during these press conferences has become notably awkward, leading to fears it could impact what has otherwise been a promising beginning to the campaign. Chelsea's on-field position is positive: they are fourth in the Premier League, have reached the League Cup semi-finals, and can secure a favourable European draw with strong performances in their final matches. The prevailing uncertainty is whether this behind-the-scenes situation might eventually affect a squad that was beginning to appear cohesive.
Enzo Maresca was once an assistant to Pep Guardiola with Manchester City. Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has branded fresh talk linking him with a return to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay. The Italian manager, who once served as Pep Guardiola's assistant at the Etihad, addressed the persistent speculation surrounding his future. Maresca, named Chelsea manager in the summer of 2024, is under contract that runs through the end of the decade, with a potential extra year option. "It doesn't affect me at all because I know that is 100% speculation," Maresca stated. "And at this moment, there is no time for these kind of things." He further elaborated, Primarily, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my attention, I said 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 Juventus in Italy. So I ignore it because I know that is without foundation." Chelsea, currently sitting fourth in the top flight, are scheduled to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a lunchtime fixture. Tensions Following Previous Remarks Maresca's latest statement follow in the wake of he described a recent two-day spell as his most difficult since joining Chelsea. Those original words had fueled considerable talk of a potential disagreement between the manager and the club's key decision-makers. When asked if he had discussed matters with the Chelsea's sporting directors, Maresca responded, "We are in the same building, so we talk about different things. But about the Everton press conference, no." The manager however affirmed he would "absolutely" stay at the club for the coming campaign and called on the fans to "continue to support the team". In more positive news, Maresca revealed that sidelined attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return ahead of schedule, possibly available for a match against Aston Villa later this month. Perspective: An 'Open Wound' The apparent disconnect between Maresca and the club's hierarchy remains as an unhealed issue that continues to create unease. While there has been no further escalation of the matter publicly, there has also been no resolution offered, creating the matter unaddressed. The mood during these press conferences has become notably awkward, leading to fears it could impact what has otherwise been a promising beginning to the campaign. Chelsea's on-field position is positive: they are fourth in the Premier League, have reached the League Cup semi-finals, and can secure a favourable European draw with strong performances in their final matches. The prevailing uncertainty is whether this behind-the-scenes situation might eventually affect a squad that was beginning to appear cohesive.