🔗 Share this article Blues Boss Maresca Rejects Manchester City Links as Pure Rumour Enzo Maresca was once an coach to Pep Guardiola with Manchester City. Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has branded fresh talk connecting him with a return to Manchester City as "100% speculation". The 45-year-old, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man at the Etihad, responded to the persistent rumours surrounding his next move. Maresca, appointed Chelsea manager in June 2024, is under contract running through the end of the decade, with a potential extra year available. "It doesn't affect me at all because I know that is completely unfounded," Maresca said. "And at this moment, there is no time for such distractions." He further elaborated, Primarily, because I have a contract here for several more years. And my attention, I have stated many times, is just about 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 ignore it because I know that is without foundation." Chelsea, presently placed in fourth position in the Premier League, are scheduled to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a 12:30 GMT kick-off. Tensions Following Recent Remarks Maresca's most recent statement follow in the wake of he referred to a previous 48-hour period as his most difficult since joining Chelsea. Those initial words had fueled widespread talk of a possible disagreement between the manager and the club's ownership hierarchy. When asked if he had since spoken with the club's leadership, Maresca responded, "We are in the same facility, so we speak about various topics. But about the Everton press conference, no." The Italian however affirmed he would "absolutely" remain at the club for the coming campaign and called on the fans to keep backing the team". In more positive news, Maresca indicated that sidelined attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return sooner than expected, potentially in contention for a fixture against Aston Villa on 27 December. Perspective: An 'Open Wound' The apparent disconnect between Maresca and the club's hierarchy persists as an unhealed issue that still cause concern. While there has been no deepening of the matter publicly, there has also been no apology offered, creating the matter unresolved. The mood during the manager's media briefings has become notably strained, leading to concerns it could impact what has up to now 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 last four, and can secure a favourable Champions League position with good performances in their remaining matches. The prevailing uncertainty is whether this off-field situation might begin to affect a team that was just starting to look cohesive.
Enzo Maresca was once an coach to Pep Guardiola with Manchester City. Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has branded fresh talk connecting him with a return to Manchester City as "100% speculation". The 45-year-old, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man at the Etihad, responded to the persistent rumours surrounding his next move. Maresca, appointed Chelsea manager in June 2024, is under contract running through the end of the decade, with a potential extra year available. "It doesn't affect me at all because I know that is completely unfounded," Maresca said. "And at this moment, there is no time for such distractions." He further elaborated, Primarily, because I have a contract here for several more years. And my attention, I have stated many times, is just about 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 ignore it because I know that is without foundation." Chelsea, presently placed in fourth position in the Premier League, are scheduled to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a 12:30 GMT kick-off. Tensions Following Recent Remarks Maresca's most recent statement follow in the wake of he referred to a previous 48-hour period as his most difficult since joining Chelsea. Those initial words had fueled widespread talk of a possible disagreement between the manager and the club's ownership hierarchy. When asked if he had since spoken with the club's leadership, Maresca responded, "We are in the same facility, so we speak about various topics. But about the Everton press conference, no." The Italian however affirmed he would "absolutely" remain at the club for the coming campaign and called on the fans to keep backing the team". In more positive news, Maresca indicated that sidelined attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return sooner than expected, potentially in contention for a fixture against Aston Villa on 27 December. Perspective: An 'Open Wound' The apparent disconnect between Maresca and the club's hierarchy persists as an unhealed issue that still cause concern. While there has been no deepening of the matter publicly, there has also been no apology offered, creating the matter unresolved. The mood during the manager's media briefings has become notably strained, leading to concerns it could impact what has up to now 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 last four, and can secure a favourable Champions League position with good performances in their remaining matches. The prevailing uncertainty is whether this off-field situation might begin to affect a team that was just starting to look cohesive.