🔗 Share this article Blues Manager Maresca Rejects Man City Links as Pure 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 return to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay. The Italian manager, who once served as Pep Guardiola's assistant at the Etihad, responded to the persistent rumours surrounding his future. Maresca, appointed Chelsea boss in the summer of 2024, is under contract that runs 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 said. "And at this moment, there is little room for such distractions." 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 speculation. One week ago I was connected to a role in Italy with Juventus. So I don't pay attention because I know that is not true." Chelsea, currently sitting fourth in the Premier League, are set to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a lunchtime fixture. Strain Following Recent Remarks Maresca's most recent comments come in the wake of he described a recent two-day spell as his most difficult since arriving at Chelsea. Those original words had fueled considerable talk of a potential rift between the coach and the club's ownership hierarchy. When asked if he had discussed matters with the Chelsea's leadership, Maresca responded, "We are in the same facility, so we talk about various topics. But about the Everton media session, no." The manager however affirmed he would definitely stay at the club next season and urged supporters to "continue to support the team". In more positive news, Maresca revealed that sidelined forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return ahead of schedule, potentially in contention for a match against Aston Villa later this month. Analysis: An 'Open Wound' The apparent strain between Maresca and the Chelsea board persists as an open wound that continues to cause concern. While there has been no deepening of the situation in the open, there has equally been no resolution forthcoming, creating the matter unresolved. The atmosphere during the manager's media briefings has grown increasingly awkward, raising fears it could impact what has otherwise been a decent start to the season. Chelsea's sporting position is positive: they are fourth in the league, have qualified for the Carabao Cup last four, and can achieve a favourable European draw with strong performances in their final matches. The prevailing question is whether this behind-the-scenes situation might begin to disrupt a squad that was just starting to appear settled.
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 return to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay. The Italian manager, who once served as Pep Guardiola's assistant at the Etihad, responded to the persistent rumours surrounding his future. Maresca, appointed Chelsea boss in the summer of 2024, is under contract that runs 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 said. "And at this moment, there is little room for such distractions." 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 speculation. One week ago I was connected to a role in Italy with Juventus. So I don't pay attention because I know that is not true." Chelsea, currently sitting fourth in the Premier League, are set to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a lunchtime fixture. Strain Following Recent Remarks Maresca's most recent comments come in the wake of he described a recent two-day spell as his most difficult since arriving at Chelsea. Those original words had fueled considerable talk of a potential rift between the coach and the club's ownership hierarchy. When asked if he had discussed matters with the Chelsea's leadership, Maresca responded, "We are in the same facility, so we talk about various topics. But about the Everton media session, no." The manager however affirmed he would definitely stay at the club next season and urged supporters to "continue to support the team". In more positive news, Maresca revealed that sidelined forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return ahead of schedule, potentially in contention for a match against Aston Villa later this month. Analysis: An 'Open Wound' The apparent strain between Maresca and the Chelsea board persists as an open wound that continues to cause concern. While there has been no deepening of the situation in the open, there has equally been no resolution forthcoming, creating the matter unresolved. The atmosphere during the manager's media briefings has grown increasingly awkward, raising fears it could impact what has otherwise been a decent start to the season. Chelsea's sporting position is positive: they are fourth in the league, have qualified for the Carabao Cup last four, and can achieve a favourable European draw with strong performances in their final matches. The prevailing question is whether this behind-the-scenes situation might begin to disrupt a squad that was just starting to appear settled.