🔗 Share this article Chelsea Boss Maresca Rejects Manchester City Links as Pure Rumour Enzo Maresca previously worked as an coach to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has branded recent talk linking him with a return to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay. The 45-year-old, who once served as Pep Guardiola's assistant in Manchester, responded to the persistent speculation surrounding his future. Maresca, named Chelsea boss in June 2024, is under contract that runs through the end of the decade, with a possible extension available. "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 such distractions." He went on to explain, "First of all, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my attention, I have stated many times, is solely on this club and I'm very proud to be here. But again, it's speculation. One week ago I was linked with a role in Italy with Juventus. So I ignore it because I know that is without foundation." Chelsea, currently sitting fourth in the Premier League, are set to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a 12:30 GMT kick-off. Tensions Following Previous Remarks Maresca's most recent comments come in the wake of he described a previous two-day spell as his "worst" since arriving at Chelsea. Those original words had fueled considerable talk of a potential disagreement 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 did confirm he would definitely stay at the club for the coming campaign and urged the fans to keep backing the team". In brighter news, Maresca indicated that injured forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return ahead of schedule, possibly available for a match against Aston Villa later this month. Analysis: An 'Open Wound' The perceived disconnect between Maresca and the club's hierarchy remains as an unhealed issue that still create unease. While there has been no further escalation of the situation in the open, there has equally been no apology offered, leaving the matter unresolved. The mood during the manager's media briefings has grown notably awkward, leading to concerns it could undermine what has otherwise been a decent start to the season. Chelsea's on-field situation is positive: they are in the top four in the Premier League, have qualified for the League Cup last four, and can achieve a better European draw with strong performances in their final games. The lingering uncertainty is whether this off-field dynamic might eventually disrupt a team that was just starting to look settled.
Enzo Maresca previously worked as an coach to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has branded recent talk linking him with a return to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay. The 45-year-old, who once served as Pep Guardiola's assistant in Manchester, responded to the persistent speculation surrounding his future. Maresca, named Chelsea boss in June 2024, is under contract that runs through the end of the decade, with a possible extension available. "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 such distractions." He went on to explain, "First of all, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my attention, I have stated many times, is solely on this club and I'm very proud to be here. But again, it's speculation. One week ago I was linked with a role in Italy with Juventus. So I ignore it because I know that is without foundation." Chelsea, currently sitting fourth in the Premier League, are set to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a 12:30 GMT kick-off. Tensions Following Previous Remarks Maresca's most recent comments come in the wake of he described a previous two-day spell as his "worst" since arriving at Chelsea. Those original words had fueled considerable talk of a potential disagreement 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 did confirm he would definitely stay at the club for the coming campaign and urged the fans to keep backing the team". In brighter news, Maresca indicated that injured forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return ahead of schedule, possibly available for a match against Aston Villa later this month. Analysis: An 'Open Wound' The perceived disconnect between Maresca and the club's hierarchy remains as an unhealed issue that still create unease. While there has been no further escalation of the situation in the open, there has equally been no apology offered, leaving the matter unresolved. The mood during the manager's media briefings has grown notably awkward, leading to concerns it could undermine what has otherwise been a decent start to the season. Chelsea's on-field situation is positive: they are in the top four in the Premier League, have qualified for the League Cup last four, and can achieve a better European draw with strong performances in their final games. The lingering uncertainty is whether this off-field dynamic might eventually disrupt a team that was just starting to look settled.