🔗 Share this article Blues Boss Maresca Dismisses Man City Links as Pure Rumour Enzo Maresca previously worked as an coach to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has labelled recent reports connecting him with a return to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay. The 45-year-old, who once served as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man in Manchester, addressed the persistent speculation about his future. Maresca, appointed Chelsea manager in June 2024, has a contract that runs through the end of the decade, with a potential extra year available. "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 these kind of things." He further elaborated, "First of all, because I have a contract here for several more years. 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 a role in Italy with Juventus. So I don't pay attention because I know that is without foundation." Chelsea, presently placed in fourth position in the Premier League, are scheduled to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a lunchtime kick-off. Strain After Previous Comments Maresca's latest statement follow after he referred to a recent two-day spell as his most difficult since joining Chelsea. Those original remarks had fueled widespread speculation of a potential rift between the coach and the club's key decision-makers. When asked if he had discussed matters with the Chelsea's sporting directors, Maresca replied, "We are in the same building, so we speak about different things. But about the post-Everton media session, no." The Italian however affirmed he would "absolutely" stay at the club for the coming campaign and urged supporters 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 in contention for a match against Aston Villa on 27 December. Perspective: An 'Open Wound' The apparent disconnect between Maresca and the club's hierarchy remains as an open wound that continues to cause concern. While there has been no further escalation of the matter publicly, there has equally been no resolution forthcoming, creating the matter unresolved. The atmosphere during the manager's media briefings has become increasingly strained, leading to concerns it could undermine what has up to now been a promising beginning to the campaign. Chelsea's sporting situation is strong: they are fourth in the league, have qualified for the Carabao Cup last four, and can secure a favourable Champions League position with good results in their remaining matches. The lingering uncertainty is whether this off-field situation might eventually affect a team that was just starting to look cohesive.
Enzo Maresca previously worked as an coach to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has labelled recent reports connecting him with a return to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay. The 45-year-old, who once served as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man in Manchester, addressed the persistent speculation about his future. Maresca, appointed Chelsea manager in June 2024, has a contract that runs through the end of the decade, with a potential extra year available. "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 these kind of things." He further elaborated, "First of all, because I have a contract here for several more years. 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 a role in Italy with Juventus. So I don't pay attention because I know that is without foundation." Chelsea, presently placed in fourth position in the Premier League, are scheduled to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a lunchtime kick-off. Strain After Previous Comments Maresca's latest statement follow after he referred to a recent two-day spell as his most difficult since joining Chelsea. Those original remarks had fueled widespread speculation of a potential rift between the coach and the club's key decision-makers. When asked if he had discussed matters with the Chelsea's sporting directors, Maresca replied, "We are in the same building, so we speak about different things. But about the post-Everton media session, no." The Italian however affirmed he would "absolutely" stay at the club for the coming campaign and urged supporters 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 in contention for a match against Aston Villa on 27 December. Perspective: An 'Open Wound' The apparent disconnect between Maresca and the club's hierarchy remains as an open wound that continues to cause concern. While there has been no further escalation of the matter publicly, there has equally been no resolution forthcoming, creating the matter unresolved. The atmosphere during the manager's media briefings has become increasingly strained, leading to concerns it could undermine what has up to now been a promising beginning to the campaign. Chelsea's sporting situation is strong: they are fourth in the league, have qualified for the Carabao Cup last four, and can secure a favourable Champions League position with good results in their remaining matches. The lingering uncertainty is whether this off-field situation might eventually affect a team that was just starting to look cohesive.