🔗 Share this article Blues Manager Maresca Dismisses Manchester City Links as Pure Rumour Enzo Maresca was once an assistant to Pep Guardiola with Manchester City. Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has branded recent reports linking him with a move to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay. The Italian manager, who once served as Pep Guardiola's assistant in Manchester, addressed the persistent rumours surrounding his next move. Maresca, appointed Chelsea boss in the summer of 2024, has a contract running until 2029, with a potential extension available. "It doesn't affect me at all because I know that is 100% speculation," Maresca said. "And at this moment, there is no time for these kind of things." He went on to explain, Primarily, 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 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 without foundation." Chelsea, currently sitting fourth in the Premier League, are set to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a lunchtime fixture. Strain After Previous Comments Maresca's latest comments come in the wake of he referred to a previous 48-hour period as his "worst" since joining Chelsea. Those initial words had fueled widespread talk of a possible rift between the manager and the club's key decision-makers. When asked if he had discussed matters with the Chelsea's sporting directors, Maresca replied, "We are in the same facility, so we talk about different things. But about the Everton media session, no." The Italian did confirm he would definitely stay at the club next season and urged the fans to "continue to support the team". In more positive news, Maresca indicated that sidelined attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back sooner than expected, possibly available for a fixture against Aston Villa on 27 December. Perspective: Unresolved Tension The perceived disconnect between Maresca and the Chelsea board persists as an open wound that continues to cause concern. While there has been no deepening of the matter publicly, there has equally been no apology offered, leaving the matter unaddressed. The atmosphere during these media briefings has grown increasingly awkward, leading to concerns it could undermine what has up to now been a decent beginning to the season. Chelsea's sporting position is positive: 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 results in their final matches. The lingering uncertainty is whether this behind-the-scenes dynamic might eventually disrupt a squad that was beginning to appear cohesive.
Enzo Maresca was once an assistant to Pep Guardiola with Manchester City. Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has branded recent reports linking him with a move to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay. The Italian manager, who once served as Pep Guardiola's assistant in Manchester, addressed the persistent rumours surrounding his next move. Maresca, appointed Chelsea boss in the summer of 2024, has a contract running until 2029, with a potential extension available. "It doesn't affect me at all because I know that is 100% speculation," Maresca said. "And at this moment, there is no time for these kind of things." He went on to explain, Primarily, 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 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 without foundation." Chelsea, currently sitting fourth in the Premier League, are set to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a lunchtime fixture. Strain After Previous Comments Maresca's latest comments come in the wake of he referred to a previous 48-hour period as his "worst" since joining Chelsea. Those initial words had fueled widespread talk of a possible rift between the manager and the club's key decision-makers. When asked if he had discussed matters with the Chelsea's sporting directors, Maresca replied, "We are in the same facility, so we talk about different things. But about the Everton media session, no." The Italian did confirm he would definitely stay at the club next season and urged the fans to "continue to support the team". In more positive news, Maresca indicated that sidelined attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back sooner than expected, possibly available for a fixture against Aston Villa on 27 December. Perspective: Unresolved Tension The perceived disconnect between Maresca and the Chelsea board persists as an open wound that continues to cause concern. While there has been no deepening of the matter publicly, there has equally been no apology offered, leaving the matter unaddressed. The atmosphere during these media briefings has grown increasingly awkward, leading to concerns it could undermine what has up to now been a decent beginning to the season. Chelsea's sporting position is positive: 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 results in their final matches. The lingering uncertainty is whether this behind-the-scenes dynamic might eventually disrupt a squad that was beginning to appear cohesive.