🔗 Share this article Chelsea Manager Maresca Dismisses Man City Links as '100%' Gossip Enzo Maresca previously worked as an coach to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has labelled recent talk linking him with a return 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 surrounding his next move. Maresca, named Chelsea manager in June 2024, is under contract running through the end of the decade, with a possible extra year option. "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 these kind of things." He further elaborated, Primarily, because I have a contract here until 2029. 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 rumour. One week ago I was linked with a role in Italy with Juventus. So I don't pay attention because I know that is not true." Chelsea, presently placed in fourth position in the top flight, are scheduled to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a 12:30 GMT fixture. Strain After Recent Comments Maresca's most recent statement follow after he described a recent 48-hour period as his "worst" since arriving at Chelsea. Those initial words had sparked widespread speculation of a possible disagreement between the coach and the club's ownership hierarchy. When asked if he had discussed matters with the Chelsea's leadership, Maresca responded, "We are in the same building, so we talk about various topics. But about the Everton media session, no." The Italian however affirmed he would "absolutely" remain at the club next season and called on supporters to "continue to support the team". In more positive news, Maresca indicated that sidelined attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back sooner than expected, potentially available for a match against Aston Villa on 27 December. Perspective: Unresolved Tension The perceived strain between Maresca and the club's hierarchy persists as an open wound that still create unease. While there has been no deepening of the matter in the open, there has equally been no resolution offered, creating the disagreement unresolved. The mood during these media briefings has become increasingly awkward, raising concerns it could impact what has up to now been a decent beginning to the campaign. Chelsea's on-field position is positive: they are in the top four in the Premier League, have qualified for the Carabao Cup last four, and can secure a better Champions League draw with strong results in their final matches. The lingering uncertainty is whether this off-field situation might begin to disrupt a squad that was beginning to look settled.
Enzo Maresca previously worked as an coach to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has labelled recent talk linking him with a return 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 surrounding his next move. Maresca, named Chelsea manager in June 2024, is under contract running through the end of the decade, with a possible extra year option. "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 these kind of things." He further elaborated, Primarily, because I have a contract here until 2029. 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 rumour. One week ago I was linked with a role in Italy with Juventus. So I don't pay attention because I know that is not true." Chelsea, presently placed in fourth position in the top flight, are scheduled to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a 12:30 GMT fixture. Strain After Recent Comments Maresca's most recent statement follow after he described a recent 48-hour period as his "worst" since arriving at Chelsea. Those initial words had sparked widespread speculation of a possible disagreement between the coach and the club's ownership hierarchy. When asked if he had discussed matters with the Chelsea's leadership, Maresca responded, "We are in the same building, so we talk about various topics. But about the Everton media session, no." The Italian however affirmed he would "absolutely" remain at the club next season and called on supporters to "continue to support the team". In more positive news, Maresca indicated that sidelined attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back sooner than expected, potentially available for a match against Aston Villa on 27 December. Perspective: Unresolved Tension The perceived strain between Maresca and the club's hierarchy persists as an open wound that still create unease. While there has been no deepening of the matter in the open, there has equally been no resolution offered, creating the disagreement unresolved. The mood during these media briefings has become increasingly awkward, raising concerns it could impact what has up to now been a decent beginning to the campaign. Chelsea's on-field position is positive: they are in the top four in the Premier League, have qualified for the Carabao Cup last four, and can secure a better Champions League draw with strong results in their final matches. The lingering uncertainty is whether this off-field situation might begin to disrupt a squad that was beginning to look settled.