🔗 Share this article Blues Manager Maresca Rejects Man City Links as Pure Rumour Enzo Maresca was once an assistant to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has labelled recent reports connecting him with a move to Manchester City as "100% speculation". The Italian manager, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man at the Etihad, addressed the persistent rumours surrounding his future. Maresca, appointed Chelsea boss in June 2024, is under contract running through the end of the decade, with a potential extension available. "It doesn't affect me at all because I know that is completely unfounded," Maresca stated. "And at this moment, there is no time for such distractions." He further elaborated, "First of all, because I have a contract here for several more years. And my attention, 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 Juventus in Italy. So I don't pay attention because I know that is without foundation." Chelsea, presently placed in fourth position in the Premier League, are set to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a 12:30 GMT kick-off. Strain Following Previous Comments Maresca's most recent comments come in the wake of he referred to a previous two-day spell as his "worst" since joining Chelsea. Those original remarks had sparked widespread talk of a potential rift between the manager and the club's key decision-makers. When asked if he had discussed matters with the Chelsea's leadership, Maresca responded, "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 supporters to "continue to support the team". In brighter news, Maresca revealed that sidelined attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back sooner than expected, possibly in contention for a fixture against Aston Villa on 27 December. Analysis: Unresolved Tension The perceived strain between Maresca and the club's hierarchy persists as an open wound that still create unease. While there has been no deepening of the matter in the open, there has also been no resolution forthcoming, leaving the disagreement unresolved. The atmosphere during the manager's press conferences has grown increasingly strained, leading to fears it could undermine what has otherwise been a promising beginning to the campaign. Chelsea's on-field situation is strong: they are in the top four in the league, have qualified for the League Cup last four, and can achieve a favourable Champions League draw with strong results in their final games. The lingering uncertainty is whether this behind-the-scenes situation might begin to disrupt a team that was beginning to appear cohesive.
Enzo Maresca was once an assistant to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has labelled recent reports connecting him with a move to Manchester City as "100% speculation". The Italian manager, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man at the Etihad, addressed the persistent rumours surrounding his future. Maresca, appointed Chelsea boss in June 2024, is under contract running through the end of the decade, with a potential extension available. "It doesn't affect me at all because I know that is completely unfounded," Maresca stated. "And at this moment, there is no time for such distractions." He further elaborated, "First of all, because I have a contract here for several more years. And my attention, 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 Juventus in Italy. So I don't pay attention because I know that is without foundation." Chelsea, presently placed in fourth position in the Premier League, are set to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a 12:30 GMT kick-off. Strain Following Previous Comments Maresca's most recent comments come in the wake of he referred to a previous two-day spell as his "worst" since joining Chelsea. Those original remarks had sparked widespread talk of a potential rift between the manager and the club's key decision-makers. When asked if he had discussed matters with the Chelsea's leadership, Maresca responded, "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 supporters to "continue to support the team". In brighter news, Maresca revealed that sidelined attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back sooner than expected, possibly in contention for a fixture against Aston Villa on 27 December. Analysis: Unresolved Tension The perceived strain between Maresca and the club's hierarchy persists as an open wound that still create unease. While there has been no deepening of the matter in the open, there has also been no resolution forthcoming, leaving the disagreement unresolved. The atmosphere during the manager's press conferences has grown increasingly strained, leading to fears it could undermine what has otherwise been a promising beginning to the campaign. Chelsea's on-field situation is strong: they are in the top four in the league, have qualified for the League Cup last four, and can achieve a favourable Champions League draw with strong results in their final games. The lingering uncertainty is whether this behind-the-scenes situation might begin to disrupt a team that was beginning to appear cohesive.