🔗 Share this article Chelsea Manager Maresca Rejects Manchester City Links as Pure Rumour Enzo Maresca was once an coach to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has branded recent talk connecting him with a return to Manchester City as "100% speculation". The Italian manager, who once served as Pep Guardiola's assistant in Manchester, responded to the ongoing speculation about his next move. Maresca, appointed Chelsea boss in June 2024, is under contract running until 2029, with a possible extra year option. "It doesn't bother me at all because I know that is completely unfounded," Maresca stated. "And at this moment, there is no time for such distractions." He went on to explain, "First of all, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my focus, I said 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, currently sitting in fourth position in the Premier League, are scheduled to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a 12:30 GMT fixture. Tensions After Recent Comments Maresca's most recent statement follow in the wake of he described a previous 48-hour period as his most difficult since arriving at Chelsea. Those initial words had sparked widespread talk of a potential disagreement between the manager and the club's ownership hierarchy. When pressed if he had discussed matters with the Chelsea's leadership, Maresca replied, "We are in the same facility, so we talk about various topics. But about the post-Everton media session, no." The manager however affirmed he would "absolutely" stay at the club for the coming campaign and urged 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, possibly available for a fixture against Aston Villa later this month. Perspective: Unresolved Tension The apparent strain between Maresca and the club's hierarchy persists as an unhealed issue that continues to cause concern. While there has been no deepening of the situation publicly, there has also been no resolution offered, leaving the disagreement unaddressed. The mood during these media briefings has become increasingly strained, raising concerns it could impact what has otherwise been a decent start to the season. Chelsea's sporting position is positive: they are fourth in the league, have qualified for the Carabao Cup semi-finals, and can secure a favourable European position with strong results in their remaining matches. The lingering uncertainty is whether this off-field dynamic might eventually affect a team that was beginning to appear settled.
Enzo Maresca was once an coach to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has branded recent talk connecting him with a return to Manchester City as "100% speculation". The Italian manager, who once served as Pep Guardiola's assistant in Manchester, responded to the ongoing speculation about his next move. Maresca, appointed Chelsea boss in June 2024, is under contract running until 2029, with a possible extra year option. "It doesn't bother me at all because I know that is completely unfounded," Maresca stated. "And at this moment, there is no time for such distractions." He went on to explain, "First of all, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my focus, I said 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, currently sitting in fourth position in the Premier League, are scheduled to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a 12:30 GMT fixture. Tensions After Recent Comments Maresca's most recent statement follow in the wake of he described a previous 48-hour period as his most difficult since arriving at Chelsea. Those initial words had sparked widespread talk of a potential disagreement between the manager and the club's ownership hierarchy. When pressed if he had discussed matters with the Chelsea's leadership, Maresca replied, "We are in the same facility, so we talk about various topics. But about the post-Everton media session, no." The manager however affirmed he would "absolutely" stay at the club for the coming campaign and urged 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, possibly available for a fixture against Aston Villa later this month. Perspective: Unresolved Tension The apparent strain between Maresca and the club's hierarchy persists as an unhealed issue that continues to cause concern. While there has been no deepening of the situation publicly, there has also been no resolution offered, leaving the disagreement unaddressed. The mood during these media briefings has become increasingly strained, raising concerns it could impact what has otherwise been a decent start to the season. Chelsea's sporting position is positive: they are fourth in the league, have qualified for the Carabao Cup semi-finals, and can secure a favourable European position with strong results in their remaining matches. The lingering uncertainty is whether this off-field dynamic might eventually affect a team that was beginning to appear settled.