🔗 Share this article Chelsea Manager Maresca Rejects Man City Links as Pure Gossip Enzo Maresca was once an assistant 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 45-year-old, who once served as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man at the Etihad, responded to the ongoing speculation surrounding his next move. Maresca, appointed Chelsea boss in June 2024, has a contract running through the end of the decade, with a possible extension available. "It doesn't affect 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, "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 very proud 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 not true." Chelsea, presently placed fourth in the top flight, are scheduled to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a lunchtime fixture. Strain Following Previous Remarks Maresca's most recent comments come in the wake of he described a previous two-day spell as his "worst" since arriving at Chelsea. Those original words had sparked widespread talk of a potential rift between the coach and the club's ownership hierarchy. When pressed if he had discussed matters with the club's leadership, Maresca replied, "We are in the same building, so we speak about various topics. But about the post-Everton press conference, no." The Italian did confirm he would definitely remain at the club next season and urged the fans to "continue to support the team". In more positive news, Maresca indicated that sidelined forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return sooner than expected, potentially in contention for a fixture against Aston Villa later this month. Perspective: Unresolved Tension The perceived disconnect between Maresca and the club's hierarchy remains as an open wound that continues to cause concern. While there has been no further escalation of the situation publicly, there has also been no resolution offered, creating the matter unaddressed. The atmosphere during these press conferences has become notably strained, leading to fears it could impact what has otherwise been a promising start to the season. Chelsea's sporting situation is strong: they are fourth in the league, have reached the League Cup last four, and can secure a better European position with strong performances in their remaining games. The prevailing uncertainty is whether this off-field dynamic might begin to disrupt a squad that was just starting to appear settled.
Enzo Maresca was once an assistant 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 45-year-old, who once served as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man at the Etihad, responded to the ongoing speculation surrounding his next move. Maresca, appointed Chelsea boss in June 2024, has a contract running through the end of the decade, with a possible extension available. "It doesn't affect 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, "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 very proud 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 not true." Chelsea, presently placed fourth in the top flight, are scheduled to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a lunchtime fixture. Strain Following Previous Remarks Maresca's most recent comments come in the wake of he described a previous two-day spell as his "worst" since arriving at Chelsea. Those original words had sparked widespread talk of a potential rift between the coach and the club's ownership hierarchy. When pressed if he had discussed matters with the club's leadership, Maresca replied, "We are in the same building, so we speak about various topics. But about the post-Everton press conference, no." The Italian did confirm he would definitely remain at the club next season and urged the fans to "continue to support the team". In more positive news, Maresca indicated that sidelined forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return sooner than expected, potentially in contention for a fixture against Aston Villa later this month. Perspective: Unresolved Tension The perceived disconnect between Maresca and the club's hierarchy remains as an open wound that continues to cause concern. While there has been no further escalation of the situation publicly, there has also been no resolution offered, creating the matter unaddressed. The atmosphere during these press conferences has become notably strained, leading to fears it could impact what has otherwise been a promising start to the season. Chelsea's sporting situation is strong: they are fourth in the league, have reached the League Cup last four, and can secure a better European position with strong performances in their remaining games. The prevailing uncertainty is whether this off-field dynamic might begin to disrupt a squad that was just starting to appear settled.