🔗 Share this article Blues Manager Maresca Rejects Manchester City Links as '100%' Rumour Enzo Maresca was once an assistant to Pep Guardiola with 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 previously worked as Pep Guardiola's assistant at the Etihad, responded to the persistent speculation about his next move. Maresca, named Chelsea manager in June 2024, has a contract that runs until 2029, with a potential extra year option. "It doesn't affect me at all because I know that is 100% speculation," Maresca said. "And at this moment, there is little room for such distractions." He further elaborated, Primarily, because I have a contract here for several more years. 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 Juventus in Italy. So I don't pay attention because I know that is not true." Chelsea, presently placed in fourth position in the top flight, are scheduled to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a lunchtime fixture. Tensions Following Recent Comments Maresca's most recent statement follow after he described a previous 48-hour period as his "worst" since arriving at Chelsea. Those original words had sparked considerable speculation of a potential disagreement between the coach and the club's key decision-makers. When pressed if he had since spoken with the Chelsea's leadership, Maresca replied, "We are in the same facility, so we talk about various topics. But about the Everton media session, no." The Italian however affirmed he would "absolutely" remain at the club next season and called on supporters to "continue to support the team". In more positive news, Maresca indicated that injured attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back ahead of schedule, possibly available for a match against Aston Villa later this month. Perspective: Unresolved Tension The perceived disconnect between Maresca and the club's hierarchy remains as an unhealed issue that still create unease. While there has been no further escalation of the matter publicly, there has also been no apology offered, leaving the disagreement unaddressed. The atmosphere during these press conferences has become increasingly strained, leading to concerns it could undermine what has up to now been a promising start to the campaign. Chelsea's sporting position is positive: they are in the top four in the league, have reached the League Cup last four, and can achieve a favourable Champions League position with strong performances in their final matches. The lingering uncertainty is whether this behind-the-scenes dynamic might eventually disrupt a squad that was beginning to appear cohesive.
Enzo Maresca was once an assistant to Pep Guardiola with 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 previously worked as Pep Guardiola's assistant at the Etihad, responded to the persistent speculation about his next move. Maresca, named Chelsea manager in June 2024, has a contract that runs until 2029, with a potential extra year option. "It doesn't affect me at all because I know that is 100% speculation," Maresca said. "And at this moment, there is little room for such distractions." He further elaborated, Primarily, because I have a contract here for several more years. 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 Juventus in Italy. So I don't pay attention because I know that is not true." Chelsea, presently placed in fourth position in the top flight, are scheduled to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a lunchtime fixture. Tensions Following Recent Comments Maresca's most recent statement follow after he described a previous 48-hour period as his "worst" since arriving at Chelsea. Those original words had sparked considerable speculation of a potential disagreement between the coach and the club's key decision-makers. When pressed if he had since spoken with the Chelsea's leadership, Maresca replied, "We are in the same facility, so we talk about various topics. But about the Everton media session, no." The Italian however affirmed he would "absolutely" remain at the club next season and called on supporters to "continue to support the team". In more positive news, Maresca indicated that injured attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back ahead of schedule, possibly available for a match against Aston Villa later this month. Perspective: Unresolved Tension The perceived disconnect between Maresca and the club's hierarchy remains as an unhealed issue that still create unease. While there has been no further escalation of the matter publicly, there has also been no apology offered, leaving the disagreement unaddressed. The atmosphere during these press conferences has become increasingly strained, leading to concerns it could undermine what has up to now been a promising start to the campaign. Chelsea's sporting position is positive: they are in the top four in the league, have reached the League Cup last four, and can achieve a favourable Champions League position with strong performances in their final matches. The lingering uncertainty is whether this behind-the-scenes dynamic might eventually disrupt a squad that was beginning to appear cohesive.