🔗 Share this article Blues Manager Maresca Rejects Man City Speculation as Pure Rumour Enzo Maresca was once an coach to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has branded recent 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 at the Etihad, responded to the persistent rumours surrounding his next move. Maresca, appointed Chelsea boss in June 2024, has a contract that runs through the end of the decade, 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 no time for such distractions." He further elaborated, Primarily, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my focus, I have stated 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 linked with Juventus in Italy. So I ignore it because I know that is without foundation." Chelsea, presently placed in fourth position in the Premier League, are scheduled to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a 12:30 GMT fixture. Tensions After Recent Comments Maresca's latest statement come after he described a previous 48-hour period as his most difficult since joining Chelsea. Those original remarks had fueled considerable talk of a potential disagreement between the coach and the club's ownership hierarchy. When asked if he had discussed matters with the club's sporting directors, Maresca responded, "We are in the same facility, so we talk about different things. But about the Everton media session, no." The Italian did confirm he would "absolutely" stay at the club for the coming campaign and called on 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, potentially in contention for a match against Aston Villa on 27 December. Perspective: Unresolved Tension The apparent strain between Maresca and the Chelsea board persists as an unhealed issue that continues to create unease. While there has been no deepening of the matter publicly, there has also been no resolution offered, creating the matter unresolved. The mood during the manager's press conferences has grown increasingly strained, raising concerns it could undermine what has up to now been a decent start to the season. Chelsea's sporting position is strong: they are in the top four in the Premier League, have reached the League Cup last four, and can achieve a better Champions League draw with strong results in their final games. The prevailing uncertainty is whether this behind-the-scenes situation might eventually affect a team that was just starting to appear cohesive.
Enzo Maresca was once an coach to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has branded recent 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 at the Etihad, responded to the persistent rumours surrounding his next move. Maresca, appointed Chelsea boss in June 2024, has a contract that runs through the end of the decade, 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 no time for such distractions." He further elaborated, Primarily, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my focus, I have stated 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 linked with Juventus in Italy. So I ignore it because I know that is without foundation." Chelsea, presently placed in fourth position in the Premier League, are scheduled to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a 12:30 GMT fixture. Tensions After Recent Comments Maresca's latest statement come after he described a previous 48-hour period as his most difficult since joining Chelsea. Those original remarks had fueled considerable talk of a potential disagreement between the coach and the club's ownership hierarchy. When asked if he had discussed matters with the club's sporting directors, Maresca responded, "We are in the same facility, so we talk about different things. But about the Everton media session, no." The Italian did confirm he would "absolutely" stay at the club for the coming campaign and called on 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, potentially in contention for a match against Aston Villa on 27 December. Perspective: Unresolved Tension The apparent strain between Maresca and the Chelsea board persists as an unhealed issue that continues to create unease. While there has been no deepening of the matter publicly, there has also been no resolution offered, creating the matter unresolved. The mood during the manager's press conferences has grown increasingly strained, raising concerns it could undermine what has up to now been a decent start to the season. Chelsea's sporting position is strong: they are in the top four in the Premier League, have reached the League Cup last four, and can achieve a better Champions League draw with strong results in their final games. The prevailing uncertainty is whether this behind-the-scenes situation might eventually affect a team that was just starting to appear cohesive.