🔗 Share this article Chelsea Manager Maresca Rejects Man City Links as '100%' Gossip Enzo Maresca previously worked as an coach 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 45-year-old, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man at the Etihad, addressed the ongoing speculation surrounding his next move. Maresca, appointed Chelsea boss in the summer of 2024, is under contract running until 2029, with a possible extra year option. "It doesn't bother me at all because I know that is completely unfounded," Maresca stated. "And at this moment, there is no time 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 have stated 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 a role in Italy with Juventus. So I don't pay attention because I know that is not true." Chelsea, presently placed fourth in the Premier League, are scheduled to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a lunchtime kick-off. Strain Following Previous Comments Maresca's most recent statement follow in the wake of he referred to a previous two-day spell as his "worst" since joining Chelsea. Those original words had fueled considerable talk of a potential disagreement between the manager and the club's key decision-makers. When pressed if he had since spoken with the Chelsea's sporting directors, Maresca replied, "We are in the same building, so we talk about various topics. But about the Everton press conference, no." The Italian however affirmed he would "absolutely" stay at the club next season and called on the fans to keep backing the team". In brighter news, Maresca indicated that injured forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return sooner than expected, potentially in contention for a fixture against Aston Villa on 27 December. Analysis: An 'Open Wound' The perceived strain between Maresca and the Chelsea board persists as an unhealed issue that continues to cause concern. While there has been no further escalation of the situation publicly, there has also been no resolution offered, creating the disagreement unresolved. The atmosphere during the manager's media briefings has become increasingly strained, leading to concerns it could undermine what has otherwise been a decent beginning to the campaign. Chelsea's sporting position is positive: they are in the top four in the league, have qualified for the Carabao Cup last four, and can achieve a better European position with strong results in their final games. The prevailing question is whether this off-field dynamic might begin to affect a squad that was beginning to look cohesive.
Enzo Maresca previously worked as an coach 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 45-year-old, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man at the Etihad, addressed the ongoing speculation surrounding his next move. Maresca, appointed Chelsea boss in the summer of 2024, is under contract running until 2029, with a possible extra year option. "It doesn't bother me at all because I know that is completely unfounded," Maresca stated. "And at this moment, there is no time 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 have stated 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 a role in Italy with Juventus. So I don't pay attention because I know that is not true." Chelsea, presently placed fourth in the Premier League, are scheduled to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a lunchtime kick-off. Strain Following Previous Comments Maresca's most recent statement follow in the wake of he referred to a previous two-day spell as his "worst" since joining Chelsea. Those original words had fueled considerable talk of a potential disagreement between the manager and the club's key decision-makers. When pressed if he had since spoken with the Chelsea's sporting directors, Maresca replied, "We are in the same building, so we talk about various topics. But about the Everton press conference, no." The Italian however affirmed he would "absolutely" stay at the club next season and called on the fans to keep backing the team". In brighter news, Maresca indicated that injured forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return sooner than expected, potentially in contention for a fixture against Aston Villa on 27 December. Analysis: An 'Open Wound' The perceived strain between Maresca and the Chelsea board persists as an unhealed issue that continues to cause concern. While there has been no further escalation of the situation publicly, there has also been no resolution offered, creating the disagreement unresolved. The atmosphere during the manager's media briefings has become increasingly strained, leading to concerns it could undermine what has otherwise been a decent beginning to the campaign. Chelsea's sporting position is positive: they are in the top four in the league, have qualified for the Carabao Cup last four, and can achieve a better European position with strong results in their final games. The prevailing question is whether this off-field dynamic might begin to affect a squad that was beginning to look cohesive.