🔗 Share this article Chelsea Manager Maresca Rejects Man City Links as Pure Rumour Enzo Maresca previously worked as an assistant to Pep Guardiola at 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 once served as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man at the Etihad, addressed the persistent speculation about his future. Maresca, named Chelsea manager in the summer of 2024, has a contract that runs through the end of the decade, with a potential extra year option. "It doesn't bother me at all because I know that is completely unfounded," 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 focus, I have stated many times, is just about 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 not true." Chelsea, presently placed fourth in the top flight, are scheduled to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a lunchtime kick-off. Strain After Recent Remarks Maresca's latest statement follow in the wake of he described a recent two-day spell as his "worst" since arriving at Chelsea. Those initial remarks had sparked widespread speculation of a potential rift between the manager and the club's key decision-makers. When asked if he had discussed matters with the club's sporting directors, Maresca responded, "We are in the same facility, so we speak about various topics. But about the 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 injured forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return sooner than expected, possibly available for a match against Aston Villa later this month. Analysis: An 'Open Wound' The apparent strain between Maresca and the club's hierarchy remains as an open wound that still create unease. While there has been no further escalation of the situation publicly, there has also been no resolution offered, creating the disagreement unresolved. The mood during the manager's media briefings has become increasingly awkward, leading to fears it could impact what has otherwise been a decent beginning to the season. Chelsea's on-field position is strong: they are in the top four in the league, have qualified for the League Cup last four, and can achieve a better Champions League position with strong results in their final matches. The lingering uncertainty is whether this off-field dynamic might begin to disrupt a team that was beginning to look cohesive.
Enzo Maresca previously worked as an assistant to Pep Guardiola at 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 once served as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man at the Etihad, addressed the persistent speculation about his future. Maresca, named Chelsea manager in the summer of 2024, has a contract that runs through the end of the decade, with a potential extra year option. "It doesn't bother me at all because I know that is completely unfounded," 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 focus, I have stated many times, is just about 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 not true." Chelsea, presently placed fourth in the top flight, are scheduled to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a lunchtime kick-off. Strain After Recent Remarks Maresca's latest statement follow in the wake of he described a recent two-day spell as his "worst" since arriving at Chelsea. Those initial remarks had sparked widespread speculation of a potential rift between the manager and the club's key decision-makers. When asked if he had discussed matters with the club's sporting directors, Maresca responded, "We are in the same facility, so we speak about various topics. But about the 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 injured forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return sooner than expected, possibly available for a match against Aston Villa later this month. Analysis: An 'Open Wound' The apparent strain between Maresca and the club's hierarchy remains as an open wound that still create unease. While there has been no further escalation of the situation publicly, there has also been no resolution offered, creating the disagreement unresolved. The mood during the manager's media briefings has become increasingly awkward, leading to fears it could impact what has otherwise been a decent beginning to the season. Chelsea's on-field position is strong: they are in the top four in the league, have qualified for the League Cup last four, and can achieve a better Champions League position with strong results in their final matches. The lingering uncertainty is whether this off-field dynamic might begin to disrupt a team that was beginning to look cohesive.