🔗 Share this article Blues Boss Maresca Dismisses Manchester City Links as '100%' Rumour Enzo Maresca was once an coach to Pep Guardiola with Manchester City. Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has labelled recent talk linking him with a return to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay. The 45-year-old, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man in Manchester, responded to the ongoing speculation surrounding his next move. Maresca, named Chelsea manager in the summer of 2024, is under contract that runs through the end of the decade, with a possible extension option. "It doesn't affect me at all because I know that is 100% speculation," Maresca stated. "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 attention, 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 connected to a role in Italy with Juventus. So I ignore it because I know that is not true." Chelsea, presently placed fourth in the top flight, are set to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a 12:30 GMT kick-off. Strain Following Previous Remarks Maresca's most recent comments follow in the wake of he described a recent 48-hour period as his most difficult since arriving at Chelsea. Those original remarks had sparked widespread talk of a potential rift between the coach and the club's ownership hierarchy. When pressed if he had since spoken with the Chelsea's sporting directors, Maresca responded, "We are in the same building, so we talk about various topics. But about the Everton media session, no." The manager however affirmed he would definitely stay at the club next season and called on the fans to "continue to support the team". In brighter news, Maresca indicated that injured forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back ahead of schedule, possibly in contention for a fixture against Aston Villa later this month. Analysis: Unresolved Tension The apparent disconnect between Maresca and the club's hierarchy remains as an open wound that still create unease. While there has been no deepening of the matter publicly, there has also been no resolution offered, creating the disagreement unaddressed. The atmosphere during these press conferences has become increasingly awkward, leading to fears it could undermine what has otherwise been a promising beginning to the campaign. Chelsea's sporting position is strong: they are fourth in the league, have reached the Carabao Cup semi-finals, and can achieve a better Champions League draw with good performances in their remaining matches. The prevailing question is whether this behind-the-scenes dynamic might begin to affect a squad that was just starting to look cohesive.
Enzo Maresca was once an coach to Pep Guardiola with Manchester City. Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has labelled recent talk linking him with a return to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay. The 45-year-old, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man in Manchester, responded to the ongoing speculation surrounding his next move. Maresca, named Chelsea manager in the summer of 2024, is under contract that runs through the end of the decade, with a possible extension option. "It doesn't affect me at all because I know that is 100% speculation," Maresca stated. "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 attention, 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 connected to a role in Italy with Juventus. So I ignore it because I know that is not true." Chelsea, presently placed fourth in the top flight, are set to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a 12:30 GMT kick-off. Strain Following Previous Remarks Maresca's most recent comments follow in the wake of he described a recent 48-hour period as his most difficult since arriving at Chelsea. Those original remarks had sparked widespread talk of a potential rift between the coach and the club's ownership hierarchy. When pressed if he had since spoken with the Chelsea's sporting directors, Maresca responded, "We are in the same building, so we talk about various topics. But about the Everton media session, no." The manager however affirmed he would definitely stay at the club next season and called on the fans to "continue to support the team". In brighter news, Maresca indicated that injured forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back ahead of schedule, possibly in contention for a fixture against Aston Villa later this month. Analysis: Unresolved Tension The apparent disconnect between Maresca and the club's hierarchy remains as an open wound that still create unease. While there has been no deepening of the matter publicly, there has also been no resolution offered, creating the disagreement unaddressed. The atmosphere during these press conferences has become increasingly awkward, leading to fears it could undermine what has otherwise been a promising beginning to the campaign. Chelsea's sporting position is strong: they are fourth in the league, have reached the Carabao Cup semi-finals, and can achieve a better Champions League draw with good performances in their remaining matches. The prevailing question is whether this behind-the-scenes dynamic might begin to affect a squad that was just starting to look cohesive.