🔗 Share this article Blues Manager Maresca Rejects Manchester City Speculation as Pure Rumour Enzo Maresca previously worked as an coach to Pep Guardiola with Manchester City. Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has branded recent talk connecting him with a return to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay. The Italian manager, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's assistant at the Etihad, responded to the ongoing rumours surrounding his future. Maresca, appointed Chelsea boss in the summer of 2024, is under contract that runs until 2029, with a potential extra year option. "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 such distractions." 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 linked with Juventus in Italy. So I ignore it because I know that is without foundation." Chelsea, currently sitting in fourth position in the top flight, are scheduled to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a 12:30 GMT kick-off. Tensions Following Previous Remarks Maresca's latest comments come after he referred to a previous two-day spell as his "worst" since joining Chelsea. Those original remarks had sparked considerable talk of a possible disagreement between the manager and the club's key decision-makers. When asked if he had since spoken with the club's leadership, Maresca responded, "We are in the same building, so we speak about different things. But about the Everton media session, no." The manager did confirm he would "absolutely" remain at the club next season and urged the fans to "continue to support the team". In brighter news, Maresca revealed that injured forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back sooner than expected, potentially available for a fixture against Aston Villa on 27 December. Analysis: Unresolved Tension The apparent strain between Maresca and the club's hierarchy persists as an open wound that still cause concern. While there has been no deepening of the matter publicly, there has also been no resolution offered, leaving the matter unaddressed. The mood during these press conferences has grown increasingly awkward, leading to concerns it could impact what has up to now been a decent beginning to the campaign. Chelsea's sporting situation is positive: they are in the top four in the Premier League, have reached the Carabao Cup semi-finals, and can secure a better Champions League position with good performances in their remaining matches. The lingering uncertainty is whether this behind-the-scenes dynamic might begin to affect a team that was beginning to look settled.
Enzo Maresca previously worked as an coach to Pep Guardiola with Manchester City. Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has branded recent talk connecting him with a return to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay. The Italian manager, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's assistant at the Etihad, responded to the ongoing rumours surrounding his future. Maresca, appointed Chelsea boss in the summer of 2024, is under contract that runs until 2029, with a potential extra year option. "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 such distractions." 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 linked with Juventus in Italy. So I ignore it because I know that is without foundation." Chelsea, currently sitting in fourth position in the top flight, are scheduled to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a 12:30 GMT kick-off. Tensions Following Previous Remarks Maresca's latest comments come after he referred to a previous two-day spell as his "worst" since joining Chelsea. Those original remarks had sparked considerable talk of a possible disagreement between the manager and the club's key decision-makers. When asked if he had since spoken with the club's leadership, Maresca responded, "We are in the same building, so we speak about different things. But about the Everton media session, no." The manager did confirm he would "absolutely" remain at the club next season and urged the fans to "continue to support the team". In brighter news, Maresca revealed that injured forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back sooner than expected, potentially available for a fixture against Aston Villa on 27 December. Analysis: Unresolved Tension The apparent strain between Maresca and the club's hierarchy persists as an open wound that still cause concern. While there has been no deepening of the matter publicly, there has also been no resolution offered, leaving the matter unaddressed. The mood during these press conferences has grown increasingly awkward, leading to concerns it could impact what has up to now been a decent beginning to the campaign. Chelsea's sporting situation is positive: they are in the top four in the Premier League, have reached the Carabao Cup semi-finals, and can secure a better Champions League position with good performances in their remaining matches. The lingering uncertainty is whether this behind-the-scenes dynamic might begin to affect a team that was beginning to look settled.