🔗 Share this article Blues Boss Maresca Rejects Manchester City Links as Pure Rumour Enzo Maresca was once an assistant to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has branded fresh talk linking him with a return to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay. The Italian manager, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man at the Etihad, responded to the persistent speculation about his future. Maresca, appointed Chelsea manager in June 2024, is under contract that runs until 2029, with a possible extension option. "It doesn't bother me at all because I know that is 100% speculation," Maresca said. "And at this moment, there is no time for such distractions." He went on to explain, Primarily, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my attention, I said 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 Juventus in Italy. So I don't pay attention 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. Strain Following Recent Comments Maresca's latest comments follow in the wake of he referred to a recent 48-hour period as his most difficult since joining Chelsea. Those original remarks had fueled widespread speculation of a possible disagreement between the coach and the club's key decision-makers. When asked if he had since spoken with the club's leadership, Maresca replied, "We are in the same facility, so we speak about various topics. But about the Everton media session, no." The manager however affirmed he would "absolutely" stay at the club next season and called on supporters to keep backing the team". In brighter news, Maresca indicated that sidelined attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return ahead of schedule, possibly in contention for a match against Aston Villa later this month. Perspective: An 'Open Wound' The perceived disconnect between Maresca and the club's hierarchy remains as an unhealed issue that still cause concern. While there has been no deepening of the matter in the open, there has also been no resolution forthcoming, leaving the disagreement unresolved. The mood during the manager's media briefings has grown notably awkward, raising fears it could undermine what has up to now been a decent beginning to the campaign. Chelsea's on-field position is strong: they are fourth in the Premier League, have reached the Carabao Cup last four, and can secure a better European draw with strong performances in their remaining games. The prevailing uncertainty is whether this off-field dynamic might eventually affect a squad that was just starting to look cohesive.
Enzo Maresca was once an assistant to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has branded fresh talk linking him with a return to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay. The Italian manager, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man at the Etihad, responded to the persistent speculation about his future. Maresca, appointed Chelsea manager in June 2024, is under contract that runs until 2029, with a possible extension option. "It doesn't bother me at all because I know that is 100% speculation," Maresca said. "And at this moment, there is no time for such distractions." He went on to explain, Primarily, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my attention, I said 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 Juventus in Italy. So I don't pay attention 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. Strain Following Recent Comments Maresca's latest comments follow in the wake of he referred to a recent 48-hour period as his most difficult since joining Chelsea. Those original remarks had fueled widespread speculation of a possible disagreement between the coach and the club's key decision-makers. When asked if he had since spoken with the club's leadership, Maresca replied, "We are in the same facility, so we speak about various topics. But about the Everton media session, no." The manager however affirmed he would "absolutely" stay at the club next season and called on supporters to keep backing the team". In brighter news, Maresca indicated that sidelined attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return ahead of schedule, possibly in contention for a match against Aston Villa later this month. Perspective: An 'Open Wound' The perceived disconnect between Maresca and the club's hierarchy remains as an unhealed issue that still cause concern. While there has been no deepening of the matter in the open, there has also been no resolution forthcoming, leaving the disagreement unresolved. The mood during the manager's media briefings has grown notably awkward, raising fears it could undermine what has up to now been a decent beginning to the campaign. Chelsea's on-field position is strong: they are fourth in the Premier League, have reached the Carabao Cup last four, and can secure a better European draw with strong performances in their remaining games. The prevailing uncertainty is whether this off-field dynamic might eventually affect a squad that was just starting to look cohesive.