đź”— Share this article Blues Manager Maresca Dismisses Manchester City Links as '100%' Gossip Enzo Maresca was once an assistant to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has labelled fresh talk connecting him with a return to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay. The Italian manager, who once served as Pep Guardiola's assistant at the Etihad, responded to the ongoing rumours surrounding his future. Maresca, appointed Chelsea manager in the summer of 2024, is under contract that runs until 2029, with a possible extension option. "It doesn't bother me at all because I know that is 100% speculation," Maresca stated. "And at this moment, there is little room for such distractions." He further elaborated, Primarily, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my attention, 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 linked with Juventus in Italy. So I don't pay attention because I know that is without foundation." Chelsea, currently sitting fourth in the Premier League, are set to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a 12:30 GMT kick-off. Strain Following Recent Remarks Maresca's most recent statement follow in the wake of he described a recent two-day spell as his most difficult since joining Chelsea. Those original words had fueled widespread talk of a possible rift between the coach and the club's key decision-makers. When pressed 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 post-Everton press conference, no." The Italian did confirm he would definitely stay at the club next season and called on the fans to "continue to support the team". In more positive news, Maresca indicated that sidelined attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back ahead of schedule, possibly available for a match against Aston Villa on 27 December. Analysis: An 'Open Wound' The apparent disconnect between Maresca and the club's hierarchy persists as an unhealed issue that continues to create unease. While there has been no further escalation of the situation in the open, there has also been no apology offered, creating the disagreement unresolved. The atmosphere during these press conferences has grown notably strained, leading to concerns it could impact what has up to now been a decent start to the season. Chelsea's sporting situation is strong: they are in the top four in the league, have qualified for the League Cup last four, and can achieve a better European position with good performances in their final games. The lingering question is whether this off-field situation might begin to affect a squad that was beginning to look settled.
Enzo Maresca was once an assistant to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has labelled fresh talk connecting him with a return to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay. The Italian manager, who once served as Pep Guardiola's assistant at the Etihad, responded to the ongoing rumours surrounding his future. Maresca, appointed Chelsea manager in the summer of 2024, is under contract that runs until 2029, with a possible extension option. "It doesn't bother me at all because I know that is 100% speculation," Maresca stated. "And at this moment, there is little room for such distractions." He further elaborated, Primarily, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my attention, 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 linked with Juventus in Italy. So I don't pay attention because I know that is without foundation." Chelsea, currently sitting fourth in the Premier League, are set to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a 12:30 GMT kick-off. Strain Following Recent Remarks Maresca's most recent statement follow in the wake of he described a recent two-day spell as his most difficult since joining Chelsea. Those original words had fueled widespread talk of a possible rift between the coach and the club's key decision-makers. When pressed 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 post-Everton press conference, no." The Italian did confirm he would definitely stay at the club next season and called on the fans to "continue to support the team". In more positive news, Maresca indicated that sidelined attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back ahead of schedule, possibly available for a match against Aston Villa on 27 December. Analysis: An 'Open Wound' The apparent disconnect between Maresca and the club's hierarchy persists as an unhealed issue that continues to create unease. While there has been no further escalation of the situation in the open, there has also been no apology offered, creating the disagreement unresolved. The atmosphere during these press conferences has grown notably strained, leading to concerns it could impact what has up to now been a decent start to the season. Chelsea's sporting situation is strong: they are in the top four in the league, have qualified for the League Cup last four, and can achieve a better European position with good performances in their final games. The lingering question is whether this off-field situation might begin to affect a squad that was beginning to look settled.