🔗 Share this article Blues Manager Maresca Dismisses Man City Speculation as '100%' Gossip Enzo Maresca was once an coach to Pep Guardiola with Manchester City. Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has branded recent talk linking him with a move to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay. The 45-year-old, who once served as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man at the Etihad, addressed the persistent speculation surrounding his future. Maresca, appointed Chelsea manager in the summer of 2024, is under contract running until 2029, with a potential extension 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 further elaborated, "First of all, because I have a contract here for several more years. And my attention, I have stated many times, is just about this club and I'm honoured to be here. But again, it's rumour. One week ago I was connected to a role in Italy with Juventus. So I don't pay attention because I know that is not true." Chelsea, currently sitting in fourth position in the top flight, are set to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a 12:30 GMT fixture. Strain Following Recent Comments Maresca's most recent statement come in the wake of he described a previous two-day spell as his most difficult since joining Chelsea. Those original remarks had sparked widespread speculation of a possible rift between the coach and the club's ownership hierarchy. When pressed if he had since spoken with the Chelsea's leadership, Maresca replied, "We are in the same facility, so we talk about different things. But about the post-Everton press conference, no." The manager did confirm he would definitely remain at the club next season and urged supporters to "continue to support the team". In more positive news, Maresca revealed that sidelined forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back sooner than expected, possibly in contention for a fixture against Aston Villa on 27 December. Analysis: An 'Open Wound' The perceived strain between Maresca and the Chelsea board persists as an unhealed issue that still create unease. While there has been no deepening of the matter in the open, there has also been no resolution offered, creating the disagreement unaddressed. The mood during these media briefings has become notably strained, leading to fears it could impact what has up to now been a promising beginning to the campaign. Chelsea's on-field position is strong: they are in the top four in the Premier League, have reached the Carabao Cup semi-finals, and can secure a favourable Champions League draw with good performances in their final games. The prevailing uncertainty is whether this behind-the-scenes dynamic might eventually disrupt a team that was beginning to appear cohesive.
Enzo Maresca was once an coach to Pep Guardiola with Manchester City. Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has branded recent talk linking him with a move to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay. The 45-year-old, who once served as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man at the Etihad, addressed the persistent speculation surrounding his future. Maresca, appointed Chelsea manager in the summer of 2024, is under contract running until 2029, with a potential extension 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 further elaborated, "First of all, because I have a contract here for several more years. And my attention, I have stated many times, is just about this club and I'm honoured to be here. But again, it's rumour. One week ago I was connected to a role in Italy with Juventus. So I don't pay attention because I know that is not true." Chelsea, currently sitting in fourth position in the top flight, are set to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a 12:30 GMT fixture. Strain Following Recent Comments Maresca's most recent statement come in the wake of he described a previous two-day spell as his most difficult since joining Chelsea. Those original remarks had sparked widespread speculation of a possible rift between the coach and the club's ownership hierarchy. When pressed if he had since spoken with the Chelsea's leadership, Maresca replied, "We are in the same facility, so we talk about different things. But about the post-Everton press conference, no." The manager did confirm he would definitely remain at the club next season and urged supporters to "continue to support the team". In more positive news, Maresca revealed that sidelined forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back sooner than expected, possibly in contention for a fixture against Aston Villa on 27 December. Analysis: An 'Open Wound' The perceived strain between Maresca and the Chelsea board persists as an unhealed issue that still create unease. While there has been no deepening of the matter in the open, there has also been no resolution offered, creating the disagreement unaddressed. The mood during these media briefings has become notably strained, leading to fears it could impact what has up to now been a promising beginning to the campaign. Chelsea's on-field position is strong: they are in the top four in the Premier League, have reached the Carabao Cup semi-finals, and can secure a favourable Champions League draw with good performances in their final games. The prevailing uncertainty is whether this behind-the-scenes dynamic might eventually disrupt a team that was beginning to appear cohesive.