🔗 Share this article Blues Boss Maresca Dismisses Manchester City Links as '100%' Gossip Enzo Maresca previously worked as an coach to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has branded recent talk linking him with a move 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 about his next move. Maresca, named Chelsea boss in June 2024, is under contract running until 2029, with a potential extra year available. "It doesn't bother me at all because I know that is completely unfounded," Maresca said. "And at this moment, there is little room for such distractions." He went on to explain, Primarily, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my focus, 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 not true." Chelsea, currently sitting fourth in the top flight, are set to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a lunchtime fixture. Strain After Previous Remarks Maresca's most recent statement follow after he described a recent 48-hour period as his "worst" since arriving at Chelsea. Those initial words had fueled considerable speculation of a potential rift between the coach and the club's key decision-makers. When pressed if he had discussed matters with the Chelsea's sporting directors, Maresca replied, "We are in the same facility, so we talk about various topics. But about the Everton media session, no." The Italian did confirm he would definitely stay at the club for the coming campaign and urged supporters to keep backing the team". In more positive news, Maresca indicated that injured forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return ahead of schedule, possibly available for a fixture against Aston Villa later this month. Analysis: An 'Open Wound' The perceived strain between Maresca and the Chelsea board remains as an open wound that continues to cause concern. While there has been no further escalation of the matter in the open, there has equally been no resolution forthcoming, creating the disagreement unaddressed. The atmosphere during these press conferences has become increasingly awkward, raising concerns it could impact what has otherwise been a promising beginning to the campaign. Chelsea's on-field situation is positive: they are in the top four in the Premier League, have reached the League Cup last four, and can achieve a better European draw with good performances in their final matches. The prevailing uncertainty is whether this behind-the-scenes dynamic might begin to affect a squad that was just starting to appear settled.
Enzo Maresca previously worked as an coach to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has branded recent talk linking him with a move 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 about his next move. Maresca, named Chelsea boss in June 2024, is under contract running until 2029, with a potential extra year available. "It doesn't bother me at all because I know that is completely unfounded," Maresca said. "And at this moment, there is little room for such distractions." He went on to explain, Primarily, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my focus, 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 not true." Chelsea, currently sitting fourth in the top flight, are set to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a lunchtime fixture. Strain After Previous Remarks Maresca's most recent statement follow after he described a recent 48-hour period as his "worst" since arriving at Chelsea. Those initial words had fueled considerable speculation of a potential rift between the coach and the club's key decision-makers. When pressed if he had discussed matters with the Chelsea's sporting directors, Maresca replied, "We are in the same facility, so we talk about various topics. But about the Everton media session, no." The Italian did confirm he would definitely stay at the club for the coming campaign and urged supporters to keep backing the team". In more positive news, Maresca indicated that injured forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return ahead of schedule, possibly available for a fixture against Aston Villa later this month. Analysis: An 'Open Wound' The perceived strain between Maresca and the Chelsea board remains as an open wound that continues to cause concern. While there has been no further escalation of the matter in the open, there has equally been no resolution forthcoming, creating the disagreement unaddressed. The atmosphere during these press conferences has become increasingly awkward, raising concerns it could impact what has otherwise been a promising beginning to the campaign. Chelsea's on-field situation is positive: they are in the top four in the Premier League, have reached the League Cup last four, and can achieve a better European draw with good performances in their final matches. The prevailing uncertainty is whether this behind-the-scenes dynamic might begin to affect a squad that was just starting to appear settled.