🔗 Share this article Blues Manager Maresca Rejects Manchester City Links as '100%' Rumour Enzo Maresca previously worked as an assistant to Pep Guardiola with Manchester City. Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has labelled 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 ongoing rumours about his next move. Maresca, named Chelsea manager in June 2024, has a contract that runs until 2029, with a possible extra year available. "It doesn't affect me at all because I know that is 100% speculation," Maresca stated. "And at this moment, there is little room for such distractions." He went on to explain, Primarily, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my focus, I have stated many times, is solely on this club and I'm honoured 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 in fourth position in the Premier League, are scheduled to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a lunchtime kick-off. Tensions Following Previous Comments Maresca's most recent comments follow after he described a recent 48-hour period as his most difficult since arriving at Chelsea. Those initial remarks had sparked considerable talk of a possible disagreement between the coach and the club's ownership hierarchy. When asked if he had since spoken with the club's sporting directors, Maresca responded, "We are in the same building, so we speak about various topics. But about the post-Everton press conference, no." The manager however affirmed he would "absolutely" stay at the club for the coming campaign and called on supporters to keep backing the team". In more positive news, Maresca indicated that injured forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back sooner than expected, possibly available for a match against Aston Villa later this month. Analysis: An 'Open Wound' The apparent disconnect between Maresca and the club's hierarchy remains as an open wound that still cause concern. While there has been no deepening of the matter publicly, there has equally been no apology offered, leaving the matter unresolved. The mood during the manager's press conferences has become increasingly strained, leading to fears it could undermine what has otherwise been a promising beginning to the season. Chelsea's sporting situation is strong: they are fourth in the league, have qualified for the Carabao Cup semi-finals, and can secure a better Champions League position with strong results in their final matches. The prevailing uncertainty is whether this behind-the-scenes situation might begin to disrupt a team that was beginning to look settled.
Enzo Maresca previously worked as an assistant to Pep Guardiola with Manchester City. Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has labelled 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 ongoing rumours about his next move. Maresca, named Chelsea manager in June 2024, has a contract that runs until 2029, with a possible extra year available. "It doesn't affect me at all because I know that is 100% speculation," Maresca stated. "And at this moment, there is little room for such distractions." He went on to explain, Primarily, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my focus, I have stated many times, is solely on this club and I'm honoured 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 in fourth position in the Premier League, are scheduled to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a lunchtime kick-off. Tensions Following Previous Comments Maresca's most recent comments follow after he described a recent 48-hour period as his most difficult since arriving at Chelsea. Those initial remarks had sparked considerable talk of a possible disagreement between the coach and the club's ownership hierarchy. When asked if he had since spoken with the club's sporting directors, Maresca responded, "We are in the same building, so we speak about various topics. But about the post-Everton press conference, no." The manager however affirmed he would "absolutely" stay at the club for the coming campaign and called on supporters to keep backing the team". In more positive news, Maresca indicated that injured forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back sooner than expected, possibly available for a match against Aston Villa later this month. Analysis: An 'Open Wound' The apparent disconnect between Maresca and the club's hierarchy remains as an open wound that still cause concern. While there has been no deepening of the matter publicly, there has equally been no apology offered, leaving the matter unresolved. The mood during the manager's press conferences has become increasingly strained, leading to fears it could undermine what has otherwise been a promising beginning to the season. Chelsea's sporting situation is strong: they are fourth in the league, have qualified for the Carabao Cup semi-finals, and can secure a better Champions League position with strong results in their final matches. The prevailing uncertainty is whether this behind-the-scenes situation might begin to disrupt a team that was beginning to look settled.