š Share this article Blues Boss Maresca Dismisses Man City Links as '100%' Rumour Enzo Maresca was once an assistant to Pep Guardiola with Manchester City. Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has labelled fresh reports linking him with a return to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay. The Italian manager, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man at the Etihad, addressed the persistent speculation surrounding his next move. Maresca, appointed Chelsea boss in the summer of 2024, is under contract that runs until 2029, with a potential extension option. "It doesn't affect me at all because I know that is 100% speculation," Maresca stated. "And at this moment, there is little room for these kind of things." He went on to explain, Primarily, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my focus, I said many times, is solely on this club and I'm very proud to be here. But again, it's rumour. 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, currently sitting in fourth position in the top flight, are set to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a lunchtime fixture. Strain After Previous Comments Maresca's latest comments come in the wake of he referred to a previous two-day spell as his "worst" since joining Chelsea. Those initial remarks had fueled considerable speculation of a potential rift between the coach and the club's key decision-makers. When pressed if he had since spoken with the club's sporting directors, Maresca replied, "We are in the same facility, so we speak about various topics. But about the Everton media session, no." The manager did confirm he would definitely stay 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 be back ahead of schedule, potentially available for a match against Aston Villa on 27 December. Perspective: 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 further escalation of the matter in the open, there has equally been no apology offered, leaving the disagreement unresolved. The atmosphere during these press conferences has become increasingly awkward, leading to concerns it could impact what has otherwise been a decent beginning to the campaign. Chelsea's sporting situation is strong: they are fourth in the league, have qualified for the League Cup last four, and can achieve a better European draw with strong performances in their final matches. The prevailing question is whether this behind-the-scenes dynamic might begin to affect a team that was beginning to look cohesive.
Enzo Maresca was once an assistant to Pep Guardiola with Manchester City. Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has labelled fresh reports linking him with a return to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay. The Italian manager, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man at the Etihad, addressed the persistent speculation surrounding his next move. Maresca, appointed Chelsea boss in the summer of 2024, is under contract that runs until 2029, with a potential extension option. "It doesn't affect me at all because I know that is 100% speculation," Maresca stated. "And at this moment, there is little room for these kind of things." He went on to explain, Primarily, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my focus, I said many times, is solely on this club and I'm very proud to be here. But again, it's rumour. 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, currently sitting in fourth position in the top flight, are set to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a lunchtime fixture. Strain After Previous Comments Maresca's latest comments come in the wake of he referred to a previous two-day spell as his "worst" since joining Chelsea. Those initial remarks had fueled considerable speculation of a potential rift between the coach and the club's key decision-makers. When pressed if he had since spoken with the club's sporting directors, Maresca replied, "We are in the same facility, so we speak about various topics. But about the Everton media session, no." The manager did confirm he would definitely stay 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 be back ahead of schedule, potentially available for a match against Aston Villa on 27 December. Perspective: 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 further escalation of the matter in the open, there has equally been no apology offered, leaving the disagreement unresolved. The atmosphere during these press conferences has become increasingly awkward, leading to concerns it could impact what has otherwise been a decent beginning to the campaign. Chelsea's sporting situation is strong: they are fourth in the league, have qualified for the League Cup last four, and can achieve a better European draw with strong performances in their final matches. The prevailing question is whether this behind-the-scenes dynamic might begin to affect a team that was beginning to look cohesive.