🔗 Share this article Blues Manager Maresca Rejects Man City Speculation as '100%' Gossip Enzo Maresca previously worked as an assistant to Pep Guardiola with Manchester City. Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has branded fresh talk linking him with a move to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay. The Italian manager, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's assistant at the Etihad, responded to the persistent rumours about his future. Maresca, appointed Chelsea manager 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 said. "And at this moment, there is little room for these kind of things." He further elaborated, "First of all, because I have a contract here for several more years. And my attention, I said many times, is solely on this club and I'm honoured to be here. But again, it's speculation. One week ago I was connected to a role in Italy with Juventus. So I ignore it because I know that is not true." Chelsea, currently sitting fourth in the top flight, are set to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a 12:30 GMT kick-off. Tensions After Recent Remarks Maresca's latest statement come after he referred to a recent 48-hour period as his "worst" since arriving at Chelsea. Those initial words had fueled considerable speculation of a possible rift between the manager and the club's key decision-makers. When pressed if he had discussed matters with the club's sporting directors, Maresca responded, "We are in the same building, so we talk about different things. But about the post-Everton media session, no." The manager did confirm he would definitely remain at the club for the coming campaign and urged the fans to "continue to support the team". In more positive news, Maresca indicated that sidelined forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back ahead of schedule, potentially available for a match against Aston Villa later this month. Perspective: Unresolved Tension The perceived strain between Maresca and the club's hierarchy remains as an unhealed issue that continues to create unease. While there has been no further escalation of the situation in the open, there has equally been no apology offered, creating the disagreement unaddressed. The mood during these press conferences has become increasingly awkward, raising concerns it could undermine what has up to now been a decent beginning to the campaign. Chelsea's sporting position is strong: they are in the top four in the Premier League, have reached the League Cup last four, and can achieve a favourable European position with good performances in their remaining games. The prevailing question is whether this off-field dynamic might eventually 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 fresh talk linking him with a move to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay. The Italian manager, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's assistant at the Etihad, responded to the persistent rumours about his future. Maresca, appointed Chelsea manager 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 said. "And at this moment, there is little room for these kind of things." He further elaborated, "First of all, because I have a contract here for several more years. And my attention, I said many times, is solely on this club and I'm honoured to be here. But again, it's speculation. One week ago I was connected to a role in Italy with Juventus. So I ignore it because I know that is not true." Chelsea, currently sitting fourth in the top flight, are set to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a 12:30 GMT kick-off. Tensions After Recent Remarks Maresca's latest statement come after he referred to a recent 48-hour period as his "worst" since arriving at Chelsea. Those initial words had fueled considerable speculation of a possible rift between the manager and the club's key decision-makers. When pressed if he had discussed matters with the club's sporting directors, Maresca responded, "We are in the same building, so we talk about different things. But about the post-Everton media session, no." The manager did confirm he would definitely remain at the club for the coming campaign and urged the fans to "continue to support the team". In more positive news, Maresca indicated that sidelined forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back ahead of schedule, potentially available for a match against Aston Villa later this month. Perspective: Unresolved Tension The perceived strain between Maresca and the club's hierarchy remains as an unhealed issue that continues to create unease. While there has been no further escalation of the situation in the open, there has equally been no apology offered, creating the disagreement unaddressed. The mood during these press conferences has become increasingly awkward, raising concerns it could undermine what has up to now been a decent beginning to the campaign. Chelsea's sporting position is strong: they are in the top four in the Premier League, have reached the League Cup last four, and can achieve a favourable European position with good performances in their remaining games. The prevailing question is whether this off-field dynamic might eventually disrupt a team that was beginning to appear cohesive.