🔗 Share this article Chelsea Boss Maresca Dismisses Man City Links as '100%' Rumour Enzo Maresca previously worked as an assistant 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 Italian manager, who once served as Pep Guardiola's assistant at the Etihad, addressed the ongoing speculation surrounding his next move. Maresca, appointed Chelsea boss in the summer of 2024, is under 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 said. "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 just about this club and I'm honoured 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 not true." Chelsea, presently placed fourth in the Premier League, are scheduled to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a 12:30 GMT kick-off. Tensions Following Previous Remarks Maresca's most recent comments follow after he described a previous 48-hour period as his "worst" since joining Chelsea. Those initial words had fueled considerable talk of a potential disagreement between the coach and the club's key decision-makers. When pressed if he had since spoken with the club's sporting directors, Maresca replied, "We are in the same building, so we speak about different things. But about the Everton media session, no." The Italian however affirmed he would definitely remain at the club for the coming campaign and called on supporters to "continue to support the team". In more positive news, Maresca indicated that injured forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back ahead of schedule, potentially available for a match against Aston Villa later this month. Perspective: An 'Open Wound' The perceived disconnect between Maresca and the Chelsea board remains as an unhealed issue that continues to cause concern. While there has been no deepening of the situation publicly, there has equally been no resolution forthcoming, leaving the disagreement unaddressed. The mood during these press conferences has become notably awkward, raising concerns it could undermine what has up to now been a promising start to the season. Chelsea's sporting situation is strong: they are fourth in the Premier League, have reached the League Cup semi-finals, and can achieve a better Champions League position with good performances in their final matches. The lingering question is whether this off-field situation might begin to affect a squad that was just starting to look cohesive.
Enzo Maresca previously worked as an assistant 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 Italian manager, who once served as Pep Guardiola's assistant at the Etihad, addressed the ongoing speculation surrounding his next move. Maresca, appointed Chelsea boss in the summer of 2024, is under 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 said. "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 just about this club and I'm honoured 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 not true." Chelsea, presently placed fourth in the Premier League, are scheduled to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a 12:30 GMT kick-off. Tensions Following Previous Remarks Maresca's most recent comments follow after he described a previous 48-hour period as his "worst" since joining Chelsea. Those initial words had fueled considerable talk of a potential disagreement between the coach and the club's key decision-makers. When pressed if he had since spoken with the club's sporting directors, Maresca replied, "We are in the same building, so we speak about different things. But about the Everton media session, no." The Italian however affirmed he would definitely remain at the club for the coming campaign and called on supporters to "continue to support the team". In more positive news, Maresca indicated that injured forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back ahead of schedule, potentially available for a match against Aston Villa later this month. Perspective: An 'Open Wound' The perceived disconnect between Maresca and the Chelsea board remains as an unhealed issue that continues to cause concern. While there has been no deepening of the situation publicly, there has equally been no resolution forthcoming, leaving the disagreement unaddressed. The mood during these press conferences has become notably awkward, raising concerns it could undermine what has up to now been a promising start to the season. Chelsea's sporting situation is strong: they are fourth in the Premier League, have reached the League Cup semi-finals, and can achieve a better Champions League position with good performances in their final matches. The lingering question is whether this off-field situation might begin to affect a squad that was just starting to look cohesive.