🔗 Share this article Blues Manager Maresca Rejects Man City Links as Pure Rumour Enzo Maresca was once an assistant to Pep Guardiola with Manchester City. Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has branded fresh talk connecting him with a return to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay. The Italian manager, who once served as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man in Manchester, addressed the persistent speculation about his future. Maresca, appointed Chelsea boss in June 2024, is under contract that runs until 2029, 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 attention, 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 Juventus in Italy. So I don't pay attention because I know that is not true." Chelsea, presently placed in fourth position in the Premier League, are scheduled to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a lunchtime kick-off. Strain Following Recent Comments Maresca's latest comments follow in the wake of he referred to a previous two-day spell as his "worst" since arriving at Chelsea. Those initial remarks had fueled widespread talk of a possible rift between the manager and the club's ownership hierarchy. When asked if he had discussed matters with the club's leadership, Maresca responded, "We are in the same facility, so we speak about various topics. But about the Everton media session, no." The manager did confirm he would "absolutely" stay at the club next season and called on the fans to "continue to support the team". In brighter news, Maresca indicated that sidelined attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return sooner than expected, potentially in contention for a match against Aston Villa later this month. Analysis: Unresolved Tension The apparent strain between Maresca and the club's hierarchy remains as an unhealed issue that still create unease. While there has been no deepening of the situation publicly, there has equally been no resolution offered, creating the disagreement unresolved. The atmosphere during the manager's press conferences has become notably awkward, leading to concerns it could impact what has otherwise been a decent beginning to the season. Chelsea's sporting position is positive: they are fourth in the Premier League, have qualified for the League Cup last four, and can achieve a better Champions League draw with good performances in their remaining matches. The prevailing uncertainty is whether this off-field dynamic might begin to disrupt a team that was just starting to look settled.
Enzo Maresca was once an assistant to Pep Guardiola with Manchester City. Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has branded fresh talk connecting him with a return to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay. The Italian manager, who once served as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man in Manchester, addressed the persistent speculation about his future. Maresca, appointed Chelsea boss in June 2024, is under contract that runs until 2029, 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 attention, 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 Juventus in Italy. So I don't pay attention because I know that is not true." Chelsea, presently placed in fourth position in the Premier League, are scheduled to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a lunchtime kick-off. Strain Following Recent Comments Maresca's latest comments follow in the wake of he referred to a previous two-day spell as his "worst" since arriving at Chelsea. Those initial remarks had fueled widespread talk of a possible rift between the manager and the club's ownership hierarchy. When asked if he had discussed matters with the club's leadership, Maresca responded, "We are in the same facility, so we speak about various topics. But about the Everton media session, no." The manager did confirm he would "absolutely" stay at the club next season and called on the fans to "continue to support the team". In brighter news, Maresca indicated that sidelined attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return sooner than expected, potentially in contention for a match against Aston Villa later this month. Analysis: Unresolved Tension The apparent strain between Maresca and the club's hierarchy remains as an unhealed issue that still create unease. While there has been no deepening of the situation publicly, there has equally been no resolution offered, creating the disagreement unresolved. The atmosphere during the manager's press conferences has become notably awkward, leading to concerns it could impact what has otherwise been a decent beginning to the season. Chelsea's sporting position is positive: they are fourth in the Premier League, have qualified for the League Cup last four, and can achieve a better Champions League draw with good performances in their remaining matches. The prevailing uncertainty is whether this off-field dynamic might begin to disrupt a team that was just starting to look settled.