🔗 Share this article Blues Boss Maresca Rejects Manchester City Links as Pure Rumour Enzo Maresca was once an assistant to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has branded recent reports connecting 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 ongoing rumours surrounding his next move. Maresca, named Chelsea manager in the summer of 2024, has a contract running through the end of the decade, 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 no time for such distractions." He went on to explain, Primarily, because I have a contract here for several more years. And my focus, I have stated 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 ignore it because I know that is without foundation." Chelsea, currently sitting fourth in the top flight, are set to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a lunchtime fixture. Strain Following Previous Comments 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 initial remarks had sparked widespread talk of a potential disagreement between the manager and the club's ownership hierarchy. When pressed if he had since spoken with the club's sporting directors, Maresca responded, "We are in the same facility, so we speak about various topics. But about the post-Everton media session, no." The manager did confirm he would "absolutely" stay at the club next season and called on supporters to "continue to support the team". In more positive news, Maresca revealed that injured attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back ahead of schedule, potentially available for a fixture against Aston Villa later this month. Perspective: An 'Open Wound' The apparent disconnect between Maresca and the club's hierarchy persists 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 matter unresolved. The mood during these press conferences has grown increasingly strained, raising fears it could impact what has up to now been a decent start to the season. Chelsea's sporting situation is strong: they are fourth in the Premier League, have qualified for the League Cup last four, and can secure a better European position with strong results in their final games. The prevailing uncertainty is whether this off-field situation might begin to disrupt a team that was just starting to appear cohesive.
Enzo Maresca was once an assistant to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has branded recent reports connecting 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 ongoing rumours surrounding his next move. Maresca, named Chelsea manager in the summer of 2024, has a contract running through the end of the decade, 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 no time for such distractions." He went on to explain, Primarily, because I have a contract here for several more years. And my focus, I have stated 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 ignore it because I know that is without foundation." Chelsea, currently sitting fourth in the top flight, are set to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a lunchtime fixture. Strain Following Previous Comments 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 initial remarks had sparked widespread talk of a potential disagreement between the manager and the club's ownership hierarchy. When pressed if he had since spoken with the club's sporting directors, Maresca responded, "We are in the same facility, so we speak about various topics. But about the post-Everton media session, no." The manager did confirm he would "absolutely" stay at the club next season and called on supporters to "continue to support the team". In more positive news, Maresca revealed that injured attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back ahead of schedule, potentially available for a fixture against Aston Villa later this month. Perspective: An 'Open Wound' The apparent disconnect between Maresca and the club's hierarchy persists 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 matter unresolved. The mood during these press conferences has grown increasingly strained, raising fears it could impact what has up to now been a decent start to the season. Chelsea's sporting situation is strong: they are fourth in the Premier League, have qualified for the League Cup last four, and can secure a better European position with strong results in their final games. The prevailing uncertainty is whether this off-field situation might begin to disrupt a team that was just starting to appear cohesive.