🔗 Share this article Blues Manager Maresca Dismisses Manchester City Links as '100%' Rumour Enzo Maresca was once an coach to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has branded fresh reports linking 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, named Chelsea boss in June 2024, has a contract running until 2029, 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 no time for these kind of things." He went on to explain, Primarily, because I have a contract here for several more years. And my attention, I said many times, is solely on this club and I'm honoured 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 on Saturday in a lunchtime fixture. Tensions After Previous Comments Maresca's latest statement come after he described a previous 48-hour period as his most difficult since joining Chelsea. Those initial words had fueled widespread speculation of a potential disagreement between the coach and the club's ownership hierarchy. When asked if he had discussed matters with the club's leadership, Maresca replied, "We are in the same facility, so we talk about different things. But about the post-Everton media session, no." The Italian however affirmed he would "absolutely" stay at the club next season and called on supporters to keep backing the team". In brighter news, Maresca revealed that sidelined attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return ahead of schedule, potentially available for a fixture against Aston Villa later this month. Perspective: Unresolved Tension The apparent strain between Maresca and the club's hierarchy remains as an open wound that still cause concern. While there has been no deepening of the matter publicly, there has equally been no resolution forthcoming, leaving the disagreement unaddressed. The atmosphere during these media briefings has grown notably awkward, raising fears it could undermine what has otherwise been a decent beginning to the campaign. Chelsea's sporting position is strong: they are fourth in the Premier League, have reached the Carabao Cup semi-finals, and can secure a better European position with good results in their remaining games. The prevailing question is whether this off-field situation might eventually disrupt a squad that was just starting to look cohesive.
Enzo Maresca was once an coach to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has branded fresh reports linking 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, named Chelsea boss in June 2024, has a contract running until 2029, 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 no time for these kind of things." He went on to explain, Primarily, because I have a contract here for several more years. And my attention, I said many times, is solely on this club and I'm honoured 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 on Saturday in a lunchtime fixture. Tensions After Previous Comments Maresca's latest statement come after he described a previous 48-hour period as his most difficult since joining Chelsea. Those initial words had fueled widespread speculation of a potential disagreement between the coach and the club's ownership hierarchy. When asked if he had discussed matters with the club's leadership, Maresca replied, "We are in the same facility, so we talk about different things. But about the post-Everton media session, no." The Italian however affirmed he would "absolutely" stay at the club next season and called on supporters to keep backing the team". In brighter news, Maresca revealed that sidelined attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return ahead of schedule, potentially available for a fixture against Aston Villa later this month. Perspective: Unresolved Tension The apparent strain between Maresca and the club's hierarchy remains as an open wound that still cause concern. While there has been no deepening of the matter publicly, there has equally been no resolution forthcoming, leaving the disagreement unaddressed. The atmosphere during these media briefings has grown notably awkward, raising fears it could undermine what has otherwise been a decent beginning to the campaign. Chelsea's sporting position is strong: they are fourth in the Premier League, have reached the Carabao Cup semi-finals, and can secure a better European position with good results in their remaining games. The prevailing question is whether this off-field situation might eventually disrupt a squad that was just starting to look cohesive.