🔗 Share this article Chelsea Manager Maresca Dismisses Man City Links as '100%' Gossip Enzo Maresca was once an coach to Pep Guardiola with Manchester City. Chelsea gaffer 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 assistant at the Etihad, addressed the ongoing rumours 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 bother 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 said 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 linked with a role in Italy with Juventus. So I ignore it because I know that is without foundation." Chelsea, currently sitting fourth in the top flight, are scheduled to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a 12:30 GMT kick-off. Strain After Previous Comments Maresca's most recent statement follow in the wake of he described a previous 48-hour period as his "worst" since arriving at Chelsea. Those original words had sparked considerable talk of a possible rift between the manager 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 different things. But about the post-Everton press conference, no." The manager however affirmed he would "absolutely" stay at the club for the coming campaign and called on the fans to "continue to support the team". In more positive news, Maresca indicated that sidelined forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return sooner than expected, 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 unhealed issue that continues to cause concern. While there has been no further escalation of the matter in the open, there has equally been no resolution forthcoming, leaving the matter unaddressed. The mood during the manager's media briefings has grown notably awkward, raising concerns it could undermine what has up to now been a promising start to the campaign. Chelsea's sporting position is strong: they are fourth in the Premier League, have qualified for the Carabao Cup semi-finals, and can secure a better Champions League position with good performances in their remaining games. The prevailing question is whether this behind-the-scenes dynamic might begin to disrupt a team that was just starting to look cohesive.
Enzo Maresca was once an coach to Pep Guardiola with Manchester City. Chelsea gaffer 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 assistant at the Etihad, addressed the ongoing rumours 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 bother 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 said 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 linked with a role in Italy with Juventus. So I ignore it because I know that is without foundation." Chelsea, currently sitting fourth in the top flight, are scheduled to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a 12:30 GMT kick-off. Strain After Previous Comments Maresca's most recent statement follow in the wake of he described a previous 48-hour period as his "worst" since arriving at Chelsea. Those original words had sparked considerable talk of a possible rift between the manager 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 different things. But about the post-Everton press conference, no." The manager however affirmed he would "absolutely" stay at the club for the coming campaign and called on the fans to "continue to support the team". In more positive news, Maresca indicated that sidelined forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return sooner than expected, 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 unhealed issue that continues to cause concern. While there has been no further escalation of the matter in the open, there has equally been no resolution forthcoming, leaving the matter unaddressed. The mood during the manager's media briefings has grown notably awkward, raising concerns it could undermine what has up to now been a promising start to the campaign. Chelsea's sporting position is strong: they are fourth in the Premier League, have qualified for the Carabao Cup semi-finals, and can secure a better Champions League position with good performances in their remaining games. The prevailing question is whether this behind-the-scenes dynamic might begin to disrupt a team that was just starting to look cohesive.