🔗 Share this article Blues Boss Maresca Dismisses Manchester City Links as Pure Rumour Enzo Maresca was once an coach to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has branded fresh reports linking him with a return to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay. The Italian manager, who once served as Pep Guardiola's assistant in Manchester, addressed the persistent speculation surrounding his next move. Maresca, appointed Chelsea boss in the summer of 2024, has a contract running through the end of the decade, with a potential extra year option. "It doesn't bother me at all because I know that is completely unfounded," Maresca stated. "And at this moment, there is little room for these kind of things." He went on to explain, Primarily, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my focus, 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 connected to a role in Italy with Juventus. So I don't pay attention because I know that is not true." Chelsea, currently sitting in fourth position in the Premier League, are set to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a 12:30 GMT kick-off. Strain After Recent Remarks Maresca's latest statement come in the wake of he described a recent 48-hour period as his "worst" since arriving at Chelsea. Those original words had sparked widespread talk of a possible rift between the coach and the club's ownership hierarchy. When asked if he had discussed matters with the Chelsea's leadership, Maresca replied, "We are in the same facility, so we talk about different things. But about the post-Everton media session, no." The Italian however affirmed he would definitely remain at the club next season and urged the fans to keep backing the team". In brighter news, Maresca revealed that sidelined forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back ahead of schedule, possibly in contention for a match against Aston Villa later this month. Analysis: Unresolved Tension The apparent strain between Maresca and the Chelsea board persists as an unhealed issue that still cause concern. While there has been no deepening of the matter publicly, there has equally been no apology forthcoming, creating the matter unaddressed. The mood during the manager's media briefings has grown notably awkward, raising concerns it could undermine what has up to now been a decent beginning to the campaign. Chelsea's on-field position is positive: they are in the top four in the Premier League, have reached the Carabao Cup last four, and can achieve a favourable Champions League draw with strong performances in their remaining matches. The prevailing uncertainty is whether this behind-the-scenes dynamic might begin to affect a team that was beginning to appear settled.
Enzo Maresca was once an coach to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has branded fresh reports linking him with a return to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay. The Italian manager, who once served as Pep Guardiola's assistant in Manchester, addressed the persistent speculation surrounding his next move. Maresca, appointed Chelsea boss in the summer of 2024, has a contract running through the end of the decade, with a potential extra year option. "It doesn't bother me at all because I know that is completely unfounded," Maresca stated. "And at this moment, there is little room for these kind of things." He went on to explain, Primarily, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my focus, 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 connected to a role in Italy with Juventus. So I don't pay attention because I know that is not true." Chelsea, currently sitting in fourth position in the Premier League, are set to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a 12:30 GMT kick-off. Strain After Recent Remarks Maresca's latest statement come in the wake of he described a recent 48-hour period as his "worst" since arriving at Chelsea. Those original words had sparked widespread talk of a possible rift between the coach and the club's ownership hierarchy. When asked if he had discussed matters with the Chelsea's leadership, Maresca replied, "We are in the same facility, so we talk about different things. But about the post-Everton media session, no." The Italian however affirmed he would definitely remain at the club next season and urged the fans to keep backing the team". In brighter news, Maresca revealed that sidelined forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back ahead of schedule, possibly in contention for a match against Aston Villa later this month. Analysis: Unresolved Tension The apparent strain between Maresca and the Chelsea board persists as an unhealed issue that still cause concern. While there has been no deepening of the matter publicly, there has equally been no apology forthcoming, creating the matter unaddressed. The mood during the manager's media briefings has grown notably awkward, raising concerns it could undermine what has up to now been a decent beginning to the campaign. Chelsea's on-field position is positive: they are in the top four in the Premier League, have reached the Carabao Cup last four, and can achieve a favourable Champions League draw with strong performances in their remaining matches. The prevailing uncertainty is whether this behind-the-scenes dynamic might begin to affect a team that was beginning to appear settled.