🔗 Share this article Chelsea Boss Maresca Dismisses Manchester City Links as '100%' Rumour Enzo Maresca previously worked as an coach to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has labelled recent reports linking him with a return to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay. The 45-year-old, who once served as Pep Guardiola's assistant in Manchester, addressed the ongoing rumours surrounding his next move. Maresca, named Chelsea boss in June 2024, is under contract running until 2029, with a possible extra year available. "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 these kind of things." He went on to explain, "First of all, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my attention, I said 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 connected to Juventus in Italy. So I ignore it because I know that is without foundation." Chelsea, presently placed in fourth position in the top flight, are set to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a 12:30 GMT fixture. Tensions Following Previous Comments Maresca's latest comments follow after he described a recent two-day spell as his "worst" since joining Chelsea. Those original remarks had fueled considerable talk of a possible disagreement between the manager and the club's ownership hierarchy. When asked if he had since spoken with the Chelsea's sporting directors, Maresca replied, "We are in the same facility, so we talk about various topics. But about the post-Everton media session, no." The Italian did confirm he would "absolutely" remain at the club for the coming campaign and called on the fans to "continue to support the team". In brighter news, Maresca indicated that injured attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return sooner than expected, potentially available for a fixture 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 cause concern. While there has been no deepening of the matter publicly, there has also been no apology offered, creating the disagreement unaddressed. The mood during these press conferences has grown increasingly strained, raising fears it could impact what has otherwise been a decent start to the season. Chelsea's on-field situation is positive: they are fourth in the Premier League, have reached the Carabao Cup semi-finals, and can achieve a better European position with good performances in their final matches. The prevailing question is whether this behind-the-scenes situation might eventually affect a team that was beginning to appear settled.
Enzo Maresca previously worked as an coach to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has labelled recent reports linking him with a return to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay. The 45-year-old, who once served as Pep Guardiola's assistant in Manchester, addressed the ongoing rumours surrounding his next move. Maresca, named Chelsea boss in June 2024, is under contract running until 2029, with a possible extra year available. "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 these kind of things." He went on to explain, "First of all, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my attention, I said 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 connected to Juventus in Italy. So I ignore it because I know that is without foundation." Chelsea, presently placed in fourth position in the top flight, are set to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a 12:30 GMT fixture. Tensions Following Previous Comments Maresca's latest comments follow after he described a recent two-day spell as his "worst" since joining Chelsea. Those original remarks had fueled considerable talk of a possible disagreement between the manager and the club's ownership hierarchy. When asked if he had since spoken with the Chelsea's sporting directors, Maresca replied, "We are in the same facility, so we talk about various topics. But about the post-Everton media session, no." The Italian did confirm he would "absolutely" remain at the club for the coming campaign and called on the fans to "continue to support the team". In brighter news, Maresca indicated that injured attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return sooner than expected, potentially available for a fixture 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 cause concern. While there has been no deepening of the matter publicly, there has also been no apology offered, creating the disagreement unaddressed. The mood during these press conferences has grown increasingly strained, raising fears it could impact what has otherwise been a decent start to the season. Chelsea's on-field situation is positive: they are fourth in the Premier League, have reached the Carabao Cup semi-finals, and can achieve a better European position with good performances in their final matches. The prevailing question is whether this behind-the-scenes situation might eventually affect a team that was beginning to appear settled.