🔗 Share this article Blues Manager Maresca Rejects Man City Speculation as Pure Gossip Enzo Maresca was once an coach to Pep Guardiola with Manchester City. Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has branded fresh talk linking him with a move to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay. The Italian manager, who once served as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man in Manchester, responded to the persistent speculation about his next move. Maresca, appointed Chelsea manager in June 2024, is under contract running through the end of the decade, with a potential extension available. "It doesn't bother me at all because I know that is completely unfounded," Maresca said. "And at this moment, there is no time for such distractions." He went on to explain, "First of all, because I have a contract here until 2029. 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 connected to a role in Italy with Juventus. So I don't pay attention because I know that is without foundation." Chelsea, presently placed fourth 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 comments follow after he referred to a previous two-day spell as his most difficult since arriving at 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 discussed matters with the club's leadership, Maresca responded, "We are in the same facility, so we talk about various topics. But about the post-Everton press conference, no." The Italian however affirmed he would "absolutely" remain at the club next season and urged supporters to "continue to support the team". In more positive news, Maresca revealed that sidelined attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return ahead of schedule, possibly available for a fixture against Aston Villa on 27 December. Perspective: Unresolved Tension The apparent strain between Maresca and the Chelsea board persists as an open wound that still cause concern. While there has been no further escalation of the situation in the open, there has equally been no apology offered, creating the matter unaddressed. The mood during these press conferences has grown notably awkward, raising concerns it could undermine what has otherwise been a decent start to the season. Chelsea's sporting position is strong: they are in the top four in the league, have reached the League Cup last four, and can achieve a better Champions League draw with strong results in their remaining games. The lingering question is whether this behind-the-scenes dynamic might eventually affect a team that was beginning to look settled.
Enzo Maresca was once an coach to Pep Guardiola with Manchester City. Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has branded fresh talk linking him with a move to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay. The Italian manager, who once served as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man in Manchester, responded to the persistent speculation about his next move. Maresca, appointed Chelsea manager in June 2024, is under contract running through the end of the decade, with a potential extension available. "It doesn't bother me at all because I know that is completely unfounded," Maresca said. "And at this moment, there is no time for such distractions." He went on to explain, "First of all, because I have a contract here until 2029. 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 connected to a role in Italy with Juventus. So I don't pay attention because I know that is without foundation." Chelsea, presently placed fourth 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 comments follow after he referred to a previous two-day spell as his most difficult since arriving at 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 discussed matters with the club's leadership, Maresca responded, "We are in the same facility, so we talk about various topics. But about the post-Everton press conference, no." The Italian however affirmed he would "absolutely" remain at the club next season and urged supporters to "continue to support the team". In more positive news, Maresca revealed that sidelined attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return ahead of schedule, possibly available for a fixture against Aston Villa on 27 December. Perspective: Unresolved Tension The apparent strain between Maresca and the Chelsea board persists as an open wound that still cause concern. While there has been no further escalation of the situation in the open, there has equally been no apology offered, creating the matter unaddressed. The mood during these press conferences has grown notably awkward, raising concerns it could undermine what has otherwise been a decent start to the season. Chelsea's sporting position is strong: they are in the top four in the league, have reached the League Cup last four, and can achieve a better Champions League draw with strong results in their remaining games. The lingering question is whether this behind-the-scenes dynamic might eventually affect a team that was beginning to look settled.