🔗 Share this article Blues Boss Maresca Rejects Manchester City Links as Pure Gossip Enzo Maresca previously worked as an assistant to Pep Guardiola with Manchester City. Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has labelled recent talk linking him with a return to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay. The 45-year-old, who once served as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man in Manchester, responded to the persistent speculation about his future. Maresca, named Chelsea manager in June 2024, is under contract running through the end of the decade, with a potential extension 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 such distractions." He went on to explain, Primarily, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my attention, I said many times, is just about this club and I'm very proud to be here. But again, it's rumour. One week ago I was connected to Juventus in Italy. So I ignore it because I know that is not true." Chelsea, presently placed in fourth position in the Premier League, are scheduled to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a lunchtime kick-off. Tensions Following Previous Remarks Maresca's latest statement follow in the wake of he described a previous two-day spell as his most difficult since joining Chelsea. Those initial words had sparked considerable talk of a potential disagreement between the manager and the club's ownership hierarchy. When asked if he had since spoken with the Chelsea's leadership, Maresca responded, "We are in the same building, so we talk about different things. But about the post-Everton media session, no." The manager however affirmed he would "absolutely" stay at the club next season and called on supporters to keep backing the team". In more positive news, Maresca revealed that sidelined forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back sooner than expected, possibly available for a fixture against Aston Villa on 27 December. Analysis: An 'Open Wound' The perceived disconnect between Maresca and the club's hierarchy persists as an unhealed issue that still create unease. While there has been no deepening of the situation in the open, there has also been no resolution forthcoming, leaving the matter unresolved. The atmosphere during the manager's press conferences has become notably awkward, leading to concerns it could impact what has otherwise been a promising start to the campaign. Chelsea's on-field position is strong: they are in the top four in the Premier League, have qualified for the Carabao Cup semi-finals, and can achieve a better European draw with strong results in their remaining matches. The lingering uncertainty is whether this off-field dynamic might begin to affect a squad that was beginning to look settled.
Enzo Maresca previously worked as an assistant to Pep Guardiola with Manchester City. Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has labelled recent talk linking him with a return to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay. The 45-year-old, who once served as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man in Manchester, responded to the persistent speculation about his future. Maresca, named Chelsea manager in June 2024, is under contract running through the end of the decade, with a potential extension 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 such distractions." He went on to explain, Primarily, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my attention, I said many times, is just about this club and I'm very proud to be here. But again, it's rumour. One week ago I was connected to Juventus in Italy. So I ignore it because I know that is not true." Chelsea, presently placed in fourth position in the Premier League, are scheduled to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a lunchtime kick-off. Tensions Following Previous Remarks Maresca's latest statement follow in the wake of he described a previous two-day spell as his most difficult since joining Chelsea. Those initial words had sparked considerable talk of a potential disagreement between the manager and the club's ownership hierarchy. When asked if he had since spoken with the Chelsea's leadership, Maresca responded, "We are in the same building, so we talk about different things. But about the post-Everton media session, no." The manager however affirmed he would "absolutely" stay at the club next season and called on supporters to keep backing the team". In more positive news, Maresca revealed that sidelined forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back sooner than expected, possibly available for a fixture against Aston Villa on 27 December. Analysis: An 'Open Wound' The perceived disconnect between Maresca and the club's hierarchy persists as an unhealed issue that still create unease. While there has been no deepening of the situation in the open, there has also been no resolution forthcoming, leaving the matter unresolved. The atmosphere during the manager's press conferences has become notably awkward, leading to concerns it could impact what has otherwise been a promising start to the campaign. Chelsea's on-field position is strong: they are in the top four in the Premier League, have qualified for the Carabao Cup semi-finals, and can achieve a better European draw with strong results in their remaining matches. The lingering uncertainty is whether this off-field dynamic might begin to affect a squad that was beginning to look settled.