🔗 Share this article Blues Manager Maresca Rejects Man City Links as Pure Gossip Enzo Maresca previously worked as an assistant to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has labelled fresh talk connecting him with a move to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay. The Italian manager, who once served as Pep Guardiola's assistant at the Etihad, responded to the persistent rumours surrounding his future. Maresca, appointed Chelsea manager in the summer of 2024, is under contract that runs through the end of the decade, with a possible extension option. "It doesn't affect me at all because I know that is 100% speculation," Maresca said. "And at this moment, there is little room for such distractions." He went on to explain, "First of all, because I have a contract here for several more years. And my focus, I said many times, is just about 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 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 fixture. Tensions After Previous Comments Maresca's most recent comments follow in the wake of he described a recent 48-hour period as his "worst" since joining Chelsea. Those initial words had sparked considerable talk of a possible disagreement between the coach and the club's key decision-makers. When pressed if he had discussed matters with the club's leadership, Maresca responded, "We are in the same facility, so we speak about various topics. But about the Everton media session, no." The Italian did confirm he would definitely remain at the club next season and called on the fans to "continue to support the team". In more positive news, Maresca revealed that injured attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return sooner than expected, potentially in contention for a fixture against Aston Villa on 27 December. Analysis: Unresolved Tension The perceived disconnect between Maresca and the club's hierarchy persists as an open wound that still create unease. While there has been no further escalation of the matter publicly, there has equally been no apology forthcoming, creating the disagreement unresolved. The mood during these press conferences has become increasingly strained, raising fears it could undermine what has up to now been a decent start to the campaign. Chelsea's on-field situation is strong: they are fourth in the Premier League, have reached the Carabao Cup last four, and can achieve a better Champions League position with good performances in their final games. The prevailing uncertainty is whether this behind-the-scenes dynamic might eventually affect a squad that was beginning to look settled.
Enzo Maresca previously worked as an assistant to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has labelled fresh talk connecting him with a move to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay. The Italian manager, who once served as Pep Guardiola's assistant at the Etihad, responded to the persistent rumours surrounding his future. Maresca, appointed Chelsea manager in the summer of 2024, is under contract that runs through the end of the decade, with a possible extension option. "It doesn't affect me at all because I know that is 100% speculation," Maresca said. "And at this moment, there is little room for such distractions." He went on to explain, "First of all, because I have a contract here for several more years. And my focus, I said many times, is just about 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 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 fixture. Tensions After Previous Comments Maresca's most recent comments follow in the wake of he described a recent 48-hour period as his "worst" since joining Chelsea. Those initial words had sparked considerable talk of a possible disagreement between the coach and the club's key decision-makers. When pressed if he had discussed matters with the club's leadership, Maresca responded, "We are in the same facility, so we speak about various topics. But about the Everton media session, no." The Italian did confirm he would definitely remain at the club next season and called on the fans to "continue to support the team". In more positive news, Maresca revealed that injured attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return sooner than expected, potentially in contention for a fixture against Aston Villa on 27 December. Analysis: Unresolved Tension The perceived disconnect between Maresca and the club's hierarchy persists as an open wound that still create unease. While there has been no further escalation of the matter publicly, there has equally been no apology forthcoming, creating the disagreement unresolved. The mood during these press conferences has become increasingly strained, raising fears it could undermine what has up to now been a decent start to the campaign. Chelsea's on-field situation is strong: they are fourth in the Premier League, have reached the Carabao Cup last four, and can achieve a better Champions League position with good performances in their final games. The prevailing uncertainty is whether this behind-the-scenes dynamic might eventually affect a squad that was beginning to look settled.