🔗 Share this article Chelsea Boss Maresca Rejects Manchester City Links as Pure Gossip Enzo Maresca was once an coach to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has labelled recent reports connecting 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, responded to the persistent speculation about his future. Maresca, appointed Chelsea manager in the summer of 2024, is under contract that runs through the end of the decade, with a potential extension option. "It doesn't affect me at all because I know that is completely unfounded," Maresca said. "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 focus, I have stated many times, is just about this club and I'm very proud to be here. But again, it's rumour. 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 scheduled to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a 12:30 GMT kick-off. Strain Following Recent Remarks 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 original remarks had fueled widespread speculation of a possible rift between the manager and the club's ownership hierarchy. When asked if he had discussed matters with the Chelsea's leadership, Maresca responded, "We are in the same facility, so we talk about various topics. But about the post-Everton press conference, no." The manager did confirm he would "absolutely" stay at the club for the coming campaign and called on supporters to "continue to support the team". In brighter news, Maresca indicated that sidelined forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return ahead of schedule, potentially available for a match against Aston Villa on 27 December. Analysis: Unresolved Tension The apparent disconnect between Maresca and the Chelsea board remains as an open wound that continues to cause concern. While there has been no further escalation of the matter publicly, there has equally been no apology forthcoming, creating the disagreement unaddressed. The atmosphere during the manager's press conferences has become notably awkward, leading to concerns it could undermine what has otherwise been a decent start to the campaign. Chelsea's sporting situation is positive: they are in the top four in the Premier League, have reached the League Cup semi-finals, and can secure a better European position with strong performances in their final games. The lingering uncertainty is whether this off-field dynamic might begin to disrupt a squad that was beginning to look cohesive.
Enzo Maresca was once an coach to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has labelled recent reports connecting 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, responded to the persistent speculation about his future. Maresca, appointed Chelsea manager in the summer of 2024, is under contract that runs through the end of the decade, with a potential extension option. "It doesn't affect me at all because I know that is completely unfounded," Maresca said. "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 focus, I have stated many times, is just about this club and I'm very proud to be here. But again, it's rumour. 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 scheduled to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a 12:30 GMT kick-off. Strain Following Recent Remarks 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 original remarks had fueled widespread speculation of a possible rift between the manager and the club's ownership hierarchy. When asked if he had discussed matters with the Chelsea's leadership, Maresca responded, "We are in the same facility, so we talk about various topics. But about the post-Everton press conference, no." The manager did confirm he would "absolutely" stay at the club for the coming campaign and called on supporters to "continue to support the team". In brighter news, Maresca indicated that sidelined forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return ahead of schedule, potentially available for a match against Aston Villa on 27 December. Analysis: Unresolved Tension The apparent disconnect between Maresca and the Chelsea board remains as an open wound that continues to cause concern. While there has been no further escalation of the matter publicly, there has equally been no apology forthcoming, creating the disagreement unaddressed. The atmosphere during the manager's press conferences has become notably awkward, leading to concerns it could undermine what has otherwise been a decent start to the campaign. Chelsea's sporting situation is positive: they are in the top four in the Premier League, have reached the League Cup semi-finals, and can secure a better European position with strong performances in their final games. The lingering uncertainty is whether this off-field dynamic might begin to disrupt a squad that was beginning to look cohesive.