🔗 Share this article Blues Manager Maresca Rejects Man City Links as Pure Rumour Enzo Maresca previously worked as an coach to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has labelled fresh reports connecting him with a move to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay. The 45-year-old, who once served as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man in Manchester, addressed the persistent speculation about his future. Maresca, named Chelsea manager in June 2024, is under contract running through the end of the decade, with a potential extra year available. "It doesn't bother 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 attention, I said 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 linked with Juventus in Italy. So I ignore it 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. Strain After Recent Comments Maresca's most recent comments come after he referred to a previous two-day spell as his most difficult since joining Chelsea. Those original remarks had sparked widespread speculation of a possible rift between the coach and the club's key decision-makers. When asked if he had discussed matters with the club's sporting directors, Maresca replied, "We are in the same building, so we speak about various topics. But about the post-Everton media session, no." The manager did confirm he would definitely stay at the club for the coming campaign and urged the fans to "continue to support the team". In more positive news, Maresca revealed that sidelined forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back ahead of schedule, possibly in contention for a fixture against Aston Villa later this month. Perspective: An 'Open Wound' The apparent disconnect between Maresca and the Chelsea board persists as an unhealed issue that still cause concern. While there has been no further escalation of the situation publicly, there has also been no apology offered, leaving the disagreement unresolved. The mood during these press conferences has become increasingly strained, raising concerns it could impact what has up to now been a promising beginning to the season. Chelsea's sporting position is strong: they are fourth in the Premier League, have qualified for the Carabao Cup last four, and can achieve a better Champions League draw with strong results in their remaining games. The lingering question is whether this off-field situation might eventually affect a squad that was just starting to look settled.
Enzo Maresca previously worked as an coach to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has labelled fresh reports connecting him with a move to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay. The 45-year-old, who once served as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man in Manchester, addressed the persistent speculation about his future. Maresca, named Chelsea manager in June 2024, is under contract running through the end of the decade, with a potential extra year available. "It doesn't bother 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 attention, I said 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 linked with Juventus in Italy. So I ignore it 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. Strain After Recent Comments Maresca's most recent comments come after he referred to a previous two-day spell as his most difficult since joining Chelsea. Those original remarks had sparked widespread speculation of a possible rift between the coach and the club's key decision-makers. When asked if he had discussed matters with the club's sporting directors, Maresca replied, "We are in the same building, so we speak about various topics. But about the post-Everton media session, no." The manager did confirm he would definitely stay at the club for the coming campaign and urged the fans to "continue to support the team". In more positive news, Maresca revealed that sidelined forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back ahead of schedule, possibly in contention for a fixture against Aston Villa later this month. Perspective: An 'Open Wound' The apparent disconnect between Maresca and the Chelsea board persists as an unhealed issue that still cause concern. While there has been no further escalation of the situation publicly, there has also been no apology offered, leaving the disagreement unresolved. The mood during these press conferences has become increasingly strained, raising concerns it could impact what has up to now been a promising beginning to the season. Chelsea's sporting position is strong: they are fourth in the Premier League, have qualified for the Carabao Cup last four, and can achieve a better Champions League draw with strong results in their remaining games. The lingering question is whether this off-field situation might eventually affect a squad that was just starting to look settled.