🔗 Share this article Blues Boss Maresca Rejects Manchester City Links as Pure Gossip Enzo Maresca was once an coach to Pep Guardiola with Manchester City. Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has labelled fresh talk connecting him with a move to Manchester City as "100% speculation". The 45-year-old, who once served as Pep Guardiola's assistant in Manchester, addressed the persistent rumours about his future. Maresca, appointed Chelsea manager in the summer of 2024, is under contract running until 2029, with a possible extra year available. "It doesn't bother me at all because I know that is completely unfounded," Maresca stated. "And at this moment, there is no time for these kind of things." He went on to explain, "First of all, because I have a contract here for several more years. And my attention, 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 connected to a role in Italy with Juventus. So I don't pay attention because I know that is without foundation." Chelsea, currently sitting in fourth position in the Premier League, are scheduled to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a lunchtime kick-off. Strain Following Recent Remarks Maresca's most recent statement come after he referred to a previous 48-hour period as his most difficult since joining Chelsea. Those initial remarks had sparked considerable speculation of a possible rift between the manager and the club's ownership hierarchy. When pressed if he had discussed matters with the club's sporting directors, Maresca replied, "We are in the same building, so we talk about different things. But about the Everton media session, no." The Italian however affirmed he would "absolutely" stay at the club for the coming campaign and urged the fans to keep backing the team". In brighter news, Maresca revealed that injured attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back ahead of schedule, potentially available for a match against Aston Villa later this month. Perspective: An 'Open Wound' The perceived strain between Maresca and the club's hierarchy remains as an open wound that continues to cause concern. While there has been no deepening of the matter publicly, there has equally been no resolution offered, creating the matter unresolved. The mood during the manager's media briefings has grown increasingly strained, raising concerns it could undermine what has up to now been a promising beginning to the season. Chelsea's on-field position is strong: they are fourth in the league, have reached the League Cup semi-finals, and can secure a better European position with good results in their final games. The prevailing uncertainty is whether this behind-the-scenes dynamic might eventually disrupt a team that was just starting to appear cohesive.
Enzo Maresca was once an coach to Pep Guardiola with Manchester City. Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has labelled fresh talk connecting him with a move to Manchester City as "100% speculation". The 45-year-old, who once served as Pep Guardiola's assistant in Manchester, addressed the persistent rumours about his future. Maresca, appointed Chelsea manager in the summer of 2024, is under contract running until 2029, with a possible extra year available. "It doesn't bother me at all because I know that is completely unfounded," Maresca stated. "And at this moment, there is no time for these kind of things." He went on to explain, "First of all, because I have a contract here for several more years. And my attention, 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 connected to a role in Italy with Juventus. So I don't pay attention because I know that is without foundation." Chelsea, currently sitting in fourth position in the Premier League, are scheduled to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a lunchtime kick-off. Strain Following Recent Remarks Maresca's most recent statement come after he referred to a previous 48-hour period as his most difficult since joining Chelsea. Those initial remarks had sparked considerable speculation of a possible rift between the manager and the club's ownership hierarchy. When pressed if he had discussed matters with the club's sporting directors, Maresca replied, "We are in the same building, so we talk about different things. But about the Everton media session, no." The Italian however affirmed he would "absolutely" stay at the club for the coming campaign and urged the fans to keep backing the team". In brighter news, Maresca revealed that injured attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back ahead of schedule, potentially available for a match against Aston Villa later this month. Perspective: An 'Open Wound' The perceived strain between Maresca and the club's hierarchy remains as an open wound that continues to cause concern. While there has been no deepening of the matter publicly, there has equally been no resolution offered, creating the matter unresolved. The mood during the manager's media briefings has grown increasingly strained, raising concerns it could undermine what has up to now been a promising beginning to the season. Chelsea's on-field position is strong: they are fourth in the league, have reached the League Cup semi-finals, and can secure a better European position with good results in their final games. The prevailing uncertainty is whether this behind-the-scenes dynamic might eventually disrupt a team that was just starting to appear cohesive.