🔗 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 branded fresh reports connecting him with a return to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay. The Italian manager, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man in Manchester, responded to the ongoing speculation surrounding his next move. Maresca, appointed Chelsea boss in the summer of 2024, has a contract that runs through the end of the decade, with a possible extra year available. "It doesn't affect 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 further elaborated, Primarily, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my focus, I have stated 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 connected to a role in Italy with Juventus. So I ignore it because I know that is not true." Chelsea, presently placed in fourth position in the top flight, are set to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a lunchtime fixture. Strain After Previous Remarks Maresca's latest statement follow in the wake of he referred to a previous two-day spell as his "worst" since joining Chelsea. Those original remarks had fueled widespread talk of a potential rift between the coach and the club's key decision-makers. When asked if he had since spoken with the Chelsea's sporting directors, Maresca replied, "We are in the same building, so we speak about various topics. But about the Everton press conference, no." The Italian however affirmed he would "absolutely" remain at the club next season and urged the fans to "continue to support the team". In more positive news, Maresca indicated that sidelined attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back sooner than expected, potentially in contention for a fixture against Aston Villa later this month. Perspective: An 'Open Wound' The apparent strain between Maresca and the Chelsea board remains as an open wound that still cause concern. While there has been no deepening of the matter in the open, there has equally been no apology offered, leaving the matter unresolved. The atmosphere during the manager's press conferences has grown notably awkward, raising concerns it could impact what has up to now been a decent start to the season. Chelsea's on-field position is strong: they are fourth in the Premier League, have reached the Carabao Cup last four, and can achieve a favourable Champions League draw with strong performances in their remaining matches. The prevailing uncertainty is whether this behind-the-scenes situation might eventually disrupt a squad that was beginning to appear cohesive.
Enzo Maresca previously worked as an assistant to Pep Guardiola with Manchester City. Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has branded fresh reports connecting him with a return to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay. The Italian manager, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man in Manchester, responded to the ongoing speculation surrounding his next move. Maresca, appointed Chelsea boss in the summer of 2024, has a contract that runs through the end of the decade, with a possible extra year available. "It doesn't affect 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 further elaborated, Primarily, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my focus, I have stated 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 connected to a role in Italy with Juventus. So I ignore it because I know that is not true." Chelsea, presently placed in fourth position in the top flight, are set to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a lunchtime fixture. Strain After Previous Remarks Maresca's latest statement follow in the wake of he referred to a previous two-day spell as his "worst" since joining Chelsea. Those original remarks had fueled widespread talk of a potential rift between the coach and the club's key decision-makers. When asked if he had since spoken with the Chelsea's sporting directors, Maresca replied, "We are in the same building, so we speak about various topics. But about the Everton press conference, no." The Italian however affirmed he would "absolutely" remain at the club next season and urged the fans to "continue to support the team". In more positive news, Maresca indicated that sidelined attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back sooner than expected, potentially in contention for a fixture against Aston Villa later this month. Perspective: An 'Open Wound' The apparent strain between Maresca and the Chelsea board remains as an open wound that still cause concern. While there has been no deepening of the matter in the open, there has equally been no apology offered, leaving the matter unresolved. The atmosphere during the manager's press conferences has grown notably awkward, raising concerns it could impact what has up to now been a decent start to the season. Chelsea's on-field position is strong: they are fourth in the Premier League, have reached the Carabao Cup last four, and can achieve a favourable Champions League draw with strong performances in their remaining matches. The prevailing uncertainty is whether this behind-the-scenes situation might eventually disrupt a squad that was beginning to appear cohesive.