🔗 Share this article Blues Boss Maresca Dismisses Man City Links as Pure Gossip Enzo Maresca previously worked as an assistant to Pep Guardiola with Manchester City. Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has branded recent talk connecting him with a move 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, appointed Chelsea manager in June 2024, is under contract running until 2029, with a possible extra year available. "It doesn't affect me at all because I know that is completely unfounded," Maresca said. "And at this moment, there is no time for these kind of things." He went on to explain, "First of all, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my focus, 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 don't pay attention because I know that is not true." Chelsea, presently placed fourth in the Premier League, are set to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a 12:30 GMT kick-off. Strain After Recent Comments Maresca's most recent statement come after he described a recent 48-hour period as his "worst" since joining Chelsea. Those original words had fueled considerable speculation of a potential rift between the manager and the club's key decision-makers. When pressed if he had since spoken with the club's sporting directors, Maresca responded, "We are in the same facility, so we speak about different things. But about the Everton media session, no." The Italian however affirmed he would definitely remain at the club next season and called on the fans to keep backing the team". In brighter news, Maresca revealed that sidelined attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return ahead of schedule, potentially in contention for a fixture against Aston Villa on 27 December. Perspective: An 'Open Wound' The perceived disconnect between Maresca and the club's hierarchy remains as an unhealed issue that continues to create unease. While there has been no deepening of the matter publicly, there has also been no resolution offered, leaving the disagreement unresolved. The atmosphere during the manager's media briefings has become notably awkward, raising fears it could undermine what has otherwise been a decent start to the campaign. Chelsea's sporting situation is strong: they are fourth in the Premier League, have reached the Carabao Cup last four, and can achieve a favourable Champions League position with good results in their final games. The prevailing uncertainty is whether this off-field dynamic might begin to disrupt a team that was beginning to appear cohesive.
Enzo Maresca previously worked as an assistant to Pep Guardiola with Manchester City. Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has branded recent talk connecting him with a move 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, appointed Chelsea manager in June 2024, is under contract running until 2029, with a possible extra year available. "It doesn't affect me at all because I know that is completely unfounded," Maresca said. "And at this moment, there is no time for these kind of things." He went on to explain, "First of all, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my focus, 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 don't pay attention because I know that is not true." Chelsea, presently placed fourth in the Premier League, are set to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a 12:30 GMT kick-off. Strain After Recent Comments Maresca's most recent statement come after he described a recent 48-hour period as his "worst" since joining Chelsea. Those original words had fueled considerable speculation of a potential rift between the manager and the club's key decision-makers. When pressed if he had since spoken with the club's sporting directors, Maresca responded, "We are in the same facility, so we speak about different things. But about the Everton media session, no." The Italian however affirmed he would definitely remain at the club next season and called on the fans to keep backing the team". In brighter news, Maresca revealed that sidelined attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return ahead of schedule, potentially in contention for a fixture against Aston Villa on 27 December. Perspective: An 'Open Wound' The perceived disconnect between Maresca and the club's hierarchy remains as an unhealed issue that continues to create unease. While there has been no deepening of the matter publicly, there has also been no resolution offered, leaving the disagreement unresolved. The atmosphere during the manager's media briefings has become notably awkward, raising fears it could undermine what has otherwise been a decent start to the campaign. Chelsea's sporting situation is strong: they are fourth in the Premier League, have reached the Carabao Cup last four, and can achieve a favourable Champions League position with good results in their final games. The prevailing uncertainty is whether this off-field dynamic might begin to disrupt a team that was beginning to appear cohesive.