🔗 Share this article Chelsea 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 reports linking him with a move to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay. The Italian manager, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man at the Etihad, responded to the persistent speculation about his future. Maresca, appointed Chelsea boss in the summer of 2024, is under contract running until 2029, with a possible extension option. "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, Primarily, because I have a contract here for several more years. And my focus, I have stated 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 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 Following Recent Remarks Maresca's most recent comments follow after he referred to a recent two-day spell as his most difficult since joining Chelsea. Those initial remarks had sparked widespread speculation of a potential disagreement between the manager and the club's key decision-makers. When pressed if he had since spoken with the club's leadership, Maresca responded, "We are in the same facility, so we speak about different things. But about the post-Everton media session, no." The manager did confirm he would definitely stay at the club for the coming campaign and called on supporters to keep backing the team". In brighter news, Maresca indicated that injured attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back sooner than expected, possibly in contention for a match against Aston Villa on 27 December. Perspective: Unresolved Tension The apparent disconnect between Maresca and the club's hierarchy persists as an open wound that still cause concern. While there has been no deepening of the situation in the open, there has equally been no resolution offered, leaving the matter unresolved. The mood during these press conferences has become increasingly awkward, leading to concerns it could impact what has up to now been a decent start to the season. Chelsea's sporting situation is positive: they are in the top four in the Premier League, have reached the League Cup last four, and can secure a better Champions League position with good performances in their remaining matches. The prevailing uncertainty is whether this off-field situation might eventually affect a squad that was beginning to appear settled.
Enzo Maresca previously worked as an assistant to Pep Guardiola with Manchester City. Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has labelled recent reports linking him with a move to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay. The Italian manager, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man at the Etihad, responded to the persistent speculation about his future. Maresca, appointed Chelsea boss in the summer of 2024, is under contract running until 2029, with a possible extension option. "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, Primarily, because I have a contract here for several more years. And my focus, I have stated 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 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 Following Recent Remarks Maresca's most recent comments follow after he referred to a recent two-day spell as his most difficult since joining Chelsea. Those initial remarks had sparked widespread speculation of a potential disagreement between the manager and the club's key decision-makers. When pressed if he had since spoken with the club's leadership, Maresca responded, "We are in the same facility, so we speak about different things. But about the post-Everton media session, no." The manager did confirm he would definitely stay at the club for the coming campaign and called on supporters to keep backing the team". In brighter news, Maresca indicated that injured attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back sooner than expected, possibly in contention for a match against Aston Villa on 27 December. Perspective: Unresolved Tension The apparent disconnect between Maresca and the club's hierarchy persists as an open wound that still cause concern. While there has been no deepening of the situation in the open, there has equally been no resolution offered, leaving the matter unresolved. The mood during these press conferences has become increasingly awkward, leading to concerns it could impact what has up to now been a decent start to the season. Chelsea's sporting situation is positive: they are in the top four in the Premier League, have reached the League Cup last four, and can secure a better Champions League position with good performances in their remaining matches. The prevailing uncertainty is whether this off-field situation might eventually affect a squad that was beginning to appear settled.