🔗 Share this article Chelsea Manager Maresca Rejects Manchester City Links as '100%' Rumour Enzo Maresca previously worked as an assistant to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has branded fresh talk connecting him with a move 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 about his future. Maresca, named Chelsea boss in the summer of 2024, has a contract that runs until 2029, with a potential extra year option. "It doesn't affect me at all because I know that is 100% speculation," Maresca said. "And at this moment, there is little room for these kind of things." He further elaborated, "First of all, because I have a contract here for several more years. And my focus, 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 ignore it because I know that is not true." Chelsea, currently sitting in fourth position in the Premier League, are scheduled to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a 12:30 GMT kick-off. Strain Following Previous Remarks Maresca's latest statement follow in the wake of he described a recent 48-hour period as his most difficult since arriving at Chelsea. Those original remarks had fueled considerable talk of a possible rift between the coach 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 building, so we speak about various topics. But about the post-Everton press conference, no." The manager did confirm he would "absolutely" stay at the club next season 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 available for a match against Aston Villa later this month. Perspective: Unresolved Tension The perceived disconnect between Maresca and the Chelsea board remains as an open wound that continues to create unease. While there has been no deepening of the matter in the open, there has equally been no apology offered, creating the disagreement unaddressed. The mood during these press conferences has become notably awkward, leading to fears it could impact what has up to now been a decent beginning to the campaign. Chelsea's on-field position is positive: they are fourth in the Premier League, have qualified for the League Cup semi-finals, and can achieve a favourable European draw with good performances in their final matches. The lingering question is whether this behind-the-scenes situation might begin to affect a squad that was just starting to look settled.
Enzo Maresca previously worked as an assistant to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has branded fresh talk connecting him with a move 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 about his future. Maresca, named Chelsea boss in the summer of 2024, has a contract that runs until 2029, with a potential extra year option. "It doesn't affect me at all because I know that is 100% speculation," Maresca said. "And at this moment, there is little room for these kind of things." He further elaborated, "First of all, because I have a contract here for several more years. And my focus, 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 ignore it because I know that is not true." Chelsea, currently sitting in fourth position in the Premier League, are scheduled to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a 12:30 GMT kick-off. Strain Following Previous Remarks Maresca's latest statement follow in the wake of he described a recent 48-hour period as his most difficult since arriving at Chelsea. Those original remarks had fueled considerable talk of a possible rift between the coach 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 building, so we speak about various topics. But about the post-Everton press conference, no." The manager did confirm he would "absolutely" stay at the club next season 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 available for a match against Aston Villa later this month. Perspective: Unresolved Tension The perceived disconnect between Maresca and the Chelsea board remains as an open wound that continues to create unease. While there has been no deepening of the matter in the open, there has equally been no apology offered, creating the disagreement unaddressed. The mood during these press conferences has become notably awkward, leading to fears it could impact what has up to now been a decent beginning to the campaign. Chelsea's on-field position is positive: they are fourth in the Premier League, have qualified for the League Cup semi-finals, and can achieve a favourable European draw with good performances in their final matches. The lingering question is whether this behind-the-scenes situation might begin to affect a squad that was just starting to look settled.