🔗 Share this article Blues Boss Maresca Rejects Manchester City Links as Pure Rumour Enzo Maresca previously worked as an coach to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has branded fresh talk linking 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, responded to the ongoing speculation about his future. Maresca, named Chelsea boss in June 2024, is under 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 completely unfounded," Maresca stated. "And at this moment, there is little room for such distractions." He further elaborated, Primarily, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my focus, I have stated many times, is solely on this club and I'm honoured 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 without foundation." Chelsea, currently sitting in fourth position in the top flight, are set to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a 12:30 GMT kick-off. Strain Following Previous Remarks Maresca's latest comments come after he referred to a previous 48-hour period as his "worst" since joining Chelsea. Those original remarks had fueled considerable talk of a possible disagreement between the coach and the club's ownership hierarchy. When pressed if he had discussed matters with the Chelsea's sporting directors, Maresca replied, "We are in the same building, so we speak about different things. But about the post-Everton press conference, no." The manager did confirm he would definitely stay at the club next season and called on supporters to "continue to support the team". In brighter news, Maresca indicated that injured attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back sooner than expected, possibly in contention for a match against Aston Villa later this month. Perspective: Unresolved Tension The apparent strain between Maresca and the Chelsea board remains as an open wound that continues to cause concern. While there has been no further escalation of the situation in the open, there has equally been no resolution offered, leaving the matter unresolved. The atmosphere during the manager's media briefings has grown notably awkward, raising fears it could impact what has up to now been a decent start to the campaign. Chelsea's sporting situation is strong: they are fourth in the league, have qualified for the League Cup semi-finals, and can achieve a favourable European position with good performances in their final games. The lingering uncertainty is whether this off-field situation might eventually affect a team that was beginning to look cohesive.
Enzo Maresca previously worked as an coach to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has branded fresh talk linking 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, responded to the ongoing speculation about his future. Maresca, named Chelsea boss in June 2024, is under 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 completely unfounded," Maresca stated. "And at this moment, there is little room for such distractions." He further elaborated, Primarily, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my focus, I have stated many times, is solely on this club and I'm honoured 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 without foundation." Chelsea, currently sitting in fourth position in the top flight, are set to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a 12:30 GMT kick-off. Strain Following Previous Remarks Maresca's latest comments come after he referred to a previous 48-hour period as his "worst" since joining Chelsea. Those original remarks had fueled considerable talk of a possible disagreement between the coach and the club's ownership hierarchy. When pressed if he had discussed matters with the Chelsea's sporting directors, Maresca replied, "We are in the same building, so we speak about different things. But about the post-Everton press conference, no." The manager did confirm he would definitely stay at the club next season and called on supporters to "continue to support the team". In brighter news, Maresca indicated that injured attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back sooner than expected, possibly in contention for a match against Aston Villa later this month. Perspective: Unresolved Tension The apparent strain between Maresca and the Chelsea board remains as an open wound that continues to cause concern. While there has been no further escalation of the situation in the open, there has equally been no resolution offered, leaving the matter unresolved. The atmosphere during the manager's media briefings has grown notably awkward, raising fears it could impact what has up to now been a decent start to the campaign. Chelsea's sporting situation is strong: they are fourth in the league, have qualified for the League Cup semi-finals, and can achieve a favourable European position with good performances in their final games. The lingering uncertainty is whether this off-field situation might eventually affect a team that was beginning to look cohesive.