🔗 Share this article Chelsea Boss Maresca Dismisses Man City Links as '100%' Gossip Enzo Maresca previously worked as an assistant to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has branded fresh reports linking him with a move to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay. The Italian manager, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's assistant in Manchester, addressed the persistent rumours about his future. Maresca, named Chelsea manager in June 2024, has a 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 100% speculation," Maresca said. "And at this moment, there is little room for these kind of things." He further elaborated, "First of all, 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 speculation. One week ago I was linked with a role in Italy with Juventus. So I ignore it because I know that is not true." Chelsea, currently sitting fourth in the Premier League, are scheduled to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a lunchtime fixture. Tensions Following Previous Remarks Maresca's latest comments follow after he described a recent 48-hour period as his "worst" since joining Chelsea. Those initial words had fueled widespread speculation of a potential rift between the coach and the club's ownership hierarchy. When asked if he had since spoken with the club's sporting directors, Maresca replied, "We are in the same building, so we speak about different things. But about the post-Everton media session, no." The manager however affirmed he would "absolutely" remain at the club for the coming campaign and called on supporters to keep backing the team". In more positive news, Maresca indicated that injured forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return ahead of schedule, possibly in contention for a fixture against Aston Villa later this month. Analysis: Unresolved Tension The perceived strain between Maresca and the club's hierarchy persists as an open wound that continues to create unease. While there has been no deepening of the matter publicly, there has equally been no apology offered, leaving the matter unresolved. The mood during the manager's press conferences has grown increasingly strained, leading to concerns it could impact what has otherwise been a promising beginning to the campaign. Chelsea's sporting situation is positive: they are in the top four in the Premier League, have qualified for the Carabao Cup last four, and can achieve a favourable Champions League position with good performances in their final games. The lingering question is whether this off-field situation might eventually affect a team that was beginning to appear cohesive.
Enzo Maresca previously worked as an assistant to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has branded fresh reports linking him with a move to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay. The Italian manager, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's assistant in Manchester, addressed the persistent rumours about his future. Maresca, named Chelsea manager in June 2024, has a 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 100% speculation," Maresca said. "And at this moment, there is little room for these kind of things." He further elaborated, "First of all, 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 speculation. One week ago I was linked with a role in Italy with Juventus. So I ignore it because I know that is not true." Chelsea, currently sitting fourth in the Premier League, are scheduled to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a lunchtime fixture. Tensions Following Previous Remarks Maresca's latest comments follow after he described a recent 48-hour period as his "worst" since joining Chelsea. Those initial words had fueled widespread speculation of a potential rift between the coach and the club's ownership hierarchy. When asked if he had since spoken with the club's sporting directors, Maresca replied, "We are in the same building, so we speak about different things. But about the post-Everton media session, no." The manager however affirmed he would "absolutely" remain at the club for the coming campaign and called on supporters to keep backing the team". In more positive news, Maresca indicated that injured forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return ahead of schedule, possibly in contention for a fixture against Aston Villa later this month. Analysis: Unresolved Tension The perceived strain between Maresca and the club's hierarchy persists as an open wound that continues to create unease. While there has been no deepening of the matter publicly, there has equally been no apology offered, leaving the matter unresolved. The mood during the manager's press conferences has grown increasingly strained, leading to concerns it could impact what has otherwise been a promising beginning to the campaign. Chelsea's sporting situation is positive: they are in the top four in the Premier League, have qualified for the Carabao Cup last four, and can achieve a favourable Champions League position with good performances in their final games. The lingering question is whether this off-field situation might eventually affect a team that was beginning to appear cohesive.