🔗 Share this article Chelsea Manager Maresca Rejects Manchester City Links as '100%' Rumour Enzo Maresca was once an assistant to Pep Guardiola with 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 at the Etihad, responded to the ongoing speculation about his future. Maresca, named Chelsea manager in the summer of 2024, has a contract running through the end of the decade, with a potential extra year available. "It doesn't bother me at all because I know that is 100% speculation," Maresca stated. "And at this moment, there is little room for such distractions." He went on to explain, Primarily, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my attention, I have stated 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 connected to Juventus in Italy. So I ignore it because I know that is without foundation." Chelsea, presently placed fourth in the top flight, are scheduled to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a 12:30 GMT fixture. Strain After Recent Comments Maresca's latest statement come after he described a recent two-day spell as his most difficult since joining Chelsea. Those original words had fueled considerable talk of a possible rift between the coach and the club's key decision-makers. When asked if he had discussed matters with the club's sporting directors, Maresca replied, "We are in the same building, so we talk about various topics. But about the post-Everton media session, no." The manager did confirm he would definitely stay at the club next season and called on the fans to "continue to support the team". In more positive news, Maresca revealed that sidelined attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return sooner than expected, potentially available for a fixture against Aston Villa later this month. Analysis: Unresolved Tension The perceived strain 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 also been no apology forthcoming, leaving the matter unaddressed. The mood during the manager's press conferences has grown notably awkward, leading to concerns it could impact what has up to now been a promising beginning to the campaign. Chelsea's sporting position is strong: they are in the top four in the league, have reached the Carabao Cup semi-finals, and can secure a better Champions League position with strong performances in their remaining matches. The prevailing uncertainty is whether this off-field situation might eventually disrupt a squad that was beginning to look settled.
Enzo Maresca was once an assistant to Pep Guardiola with 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 at the Etihad, responded to the ongoing speculation about his future. Maresca, named Chelsea manager in the summer of 2024, has a contract running through the end of the decade, with a potential extra year available. "It doesn't bother me at all because I know that is 100% speculation," Maresca stated. "And at this moment, there is little room for such distractions." He went on to explain, Primarily, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my attention, I have stated 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 connected to Juventus in Italy. So I ignore it because I know that is without foundation." Chelsea, presently placed fourth in the top flight, are scheduled to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a 12:30 GMT fixture. Strain After Recent Comments Maresca's latest statement come after he described a recent two-day spell as his most difficult since joining Chelsea. Those original words had fueled considerable talk of a possible rift between the coach and the club's key decision-makers. When asked if he had discussed matters with the club's sporting directors, Maresca replied, "We are in the same building, so we talk about various topics. But about the post-Everton media session, no." The manager did confirm he would definitely stay at the club next season and called on the fans to "continue to support the team". In more positive news, Maresca revealed that sidelined attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return sooner than expected, potentially available for a fixture against Aston Villa later this month. Analysis: Unresolved Tension The perceived strain 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 also been no apology forthcoming, leaving the matter unaddressed. The mood during the manager's press conferences has grown notably awkward, leading to concerns it could impact what has up to now been a promising beginning to the campaign. Chelsea's sporting position is strong: they are in the top four in the league, have reached the Carabao Cup semi-finals, and can secure a better Champions League position with strong performances in their remaining matches. The prevailing uncertainty is whether this off-field situation might eventually disrupt a squad that was beginning to look settled.