🔗 Share this article Blues Boss Maresca Dismisses Man City Links as Pure Rumour Enzo Maresca was once an assistant to Pep Guardiola with Manchester City. Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has branded fresh talk connecting him with a return 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 boss in June 2024, has a contract running through the end of the decade, with a possible extra year option. "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 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 solely on this club and I'm very proud to be here. But again, it's rumour. One week ago I was linked with Juventus in Italy. So I don't pay attention because I know that is not true." Chelsea, currently sitting in fourth position in the top flight, are scheduled to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a lunchtime kick-off. Tensions Following Previous Remarks Maresca's latest statement come after he described a recent two-day spell as his most difficult since arriving at Chelsea. Those initial words had sparked considerable speculation of a potential disagreement between the manager 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 speak about various topics. But about the Everton media session, no." The manager did confirm he would definitely remain at the club next season and urged the fans to "continue to support the team". In brighter news, Maresca revealed that injured attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back sooner than expected, potentially in contention for a match against Aston Villa on 27 December. Analysis: Unresolved Tension The apparent strain between Maresca and the club's hierarchy persists as an open wound that continues to create unease. While there has been no deepening of the situation in the open, there has also been no apology offered, leaving the disagreement unaddressed. The mood during these media briefings has grown notably awkward, leading to concerns it could impact what has up to now been a decent beginning to the season. Chelsea's sporting position is positive: they are fourth in the league, have qualified for the Carabao Cup semi-finals, and can secure a better European position with strong results in their remaining matches. The lingering question is whether this off-field situation might eventually affect a team that was just starting to appear cohesive.
Enzo Maresca was once an assistant to Pep Guardiola with Manchester City. Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has branded fresh talk connecting him with a return 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 boss in June 2024, has a contract running through the end of the decade, with a possible extra year option. "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 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 solely on this club and I'm very proud to be here. But again, it's rumour. One week ago I was linked with Juventus in Italy. So I don't pay attention because I know that is not true." Chelsea, currently sitting in fourth position in the top flight, are scheduled to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a lunchtime kick-off. Tensions Following Previous Remarks Maresca's latest statement come after he described a recent two-day spell as his most difficult since arriving at Chelsea. Those initial words had sparked considerable speculation of a potential disagreement between the manager 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 speak about various topics. But about the Everton media session, no." The manager did confirm he would definitely remain at the club next season and urged the fans to "continue to support the team". In brighter news, Maresca revealed that injured attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back sooner than expected, potentially in contention for a match against Aston Villa on 27 December. Analysis: Unresolved Tension The apparent strain between Maresca and the club's hierarchy persists as an open wound that continues to create unease. While there has been no deepening of the situation in the open, there has also been no apology offered, leaving the disagreement unaddressed. The mood during these media briefings has grown notably awkward, leading to concerns it could impact what has up to now been a decent beginning to the season. Chelsea's sporting position is positive: they are fourth in the league, have qualified for the Carabao Cup semi-finals, and can secure a better European position with strong results in their remaining matches. The lingering question is whether this off-field situation might eventually affect a team that was just starting to appear cohesive.