đź”— Share this article Blues Boss Maresca Rejects Manchester City Links as '100%' Gossip Enzo Maresca was once an assistant to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has labelled recent talk connecting him with a return to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay. The 45-year-old, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man at the Etihad, responded to the ongoing rumours surrounding his next move. Maresca, appointed Chelsea manager in the summer of 2024, has a contract running until 2029, with a possible extension available. "It doesn't bother me at all because I know that is 100% speculation," Maresca stated. "And at this moment, there is no time for such distractions." He further elaborated, "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 rumour. 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, presently placed fourth in the top flight, are scheduled to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a lunchtime kick-off. Strain Following Previous Remarks Maresca's most recent comments follow after he described a recent two-day spell as his "worst" since joining Chelsea. Those original remarks had sparked widespread speculation of a potential disagreement between the coach and the club's ownership hierarchy. When pressed if he had since spoken with the club's leadership, Maresca replied, "We are in the same facility, so we talk about different things. But about the post-Everton press conference, no." The Italian however affirmed he would "absolutely" stay at the club for the coming campaign and called on 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 ahead of schedule, potentially in contention for a fixture against Aston Villa on 27 December. Analysis: Unresolved Tension The perceived disconnect between Maresca and the Chelsea board remains as an open wound that still cause concern. While there has been no further escalation of the matter publicly, there has equally been no apology offered, creating the disagreement unresolved. The mood during the manager's press conferences has become notably strained, raising concerns it could impact what has otherwise been a promising start to the season. Chelsea's on-field situation is strong: they are fourth in the Premier League, have reached the League Cup last four, and can achieve a better European draw with good performances in their remaining matches. The lingering uncertainty is whether this behind-the-scenes dynamic might begin to disrupt a team that was just starting to appear cohesive.
Enzo Maresca was once an assistant to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has labelled recent talk connecting him with a return to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay. The 45-year-old, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man at the Etihad, responded to the ongoing rumours surrounding his next move. Maresca, appointed Chelsea manager in the summer of 2024, has a contract running until 2029, with a possible extension available. "It doesn't bother me at all because I know that is 100% speculation," Maresca stated. "And at this moment, there is no time for such distractions." He further elaborated, "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 rumour. 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, presently placed fourth in the top flight, are scheduled to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a lunchtime kick-off. Strain Following Previous Remarks Maresca's most recent comments follow after he described a recent two-day spell as his "worst" since joining Chelsea. Those original remarks had sparked widespread speculation of a potential disagreement between the coach and the club's ownership hierarchy. When pressed if he had since spoken with the club's leadership, Maresca replied, "We are in the same facility, so we talk about different things. But about the post-Everton press conference, no." The Italian however affirmed he would "absolutely" stay at the club for the coming campaign and called on 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 ahead of schedule, potentially in contention for a fixture against Aston Villa on 27 December. Analysis: Unresolved Tension The perceived disconnect between Maresca and the Chelsea board remains as an open wound that still cause concern. While there has been no further escalation of the matter publicly, there has equally been no apology offered, creating the disagreement unresolved. The mood during the manager's press conferences has become notably strained, raising concerns it could impact what has otherwise been a promising start to the season. Chelsea's on-field situation is strong: they are fourth in the Premier League, have reached the League Cup last four, and can achieve a better European draw with good performances in their remaining matches. The lingering uncertainty is whether this behind-the-scenes dynamic might begin to disrupt a team that was just starting to appear cohesive.