🔗 Share this article Blues Manager Maresca Rejects Manchester City Links as Pure Gossip Enzo Maresca was once an assistant to Pep Guardiola with Manchester City. Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has labelled recent reports connecting him with a move to Manchester City as "100% speculation". The 45-year-old, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's assistant at the Etihad, addressed the persistent rumours about his next move. Maresca, named Chelsea manager in the summer of 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 completely unfounded," Maresca stated. "And at this moment, there is no time for such distractions." He further elaborated, Primarily, because I have a contract here for several more years. And my attention, I said many times, is just about this club and I'm honoured to be here. But again, it's rumour. 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 set to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a 12:30 GMT fixture. Strain Following Previous Remarks Maresca's most recent statement follow after he referred to a recent 48-hour period as his "worst" since joining Chelsea. Those initial words had sparked considerable speculation of a potential rift between the manager and the club's key decision-makers. When asked if he had since spoken with the club's sporting directors, Maresca replied, "We are in the same facility, so we talk about various topics. But about the post-Everton press conference, no." The Italian did confirm he would "absolutely" stay at the club for the coming campaign and called on supporters to keep backing the team". In more positive news, Maresca indicated that sidelined forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return ahead of schedule, potentially in contention for a match against Aston Villa on 27 December. Analysis: An 'Open Wound' The apparent strain between Maresca and the Chelsea board persists as an unhealed issue that still cause concern. While there has been no deepening of the situation publicly, there has equally been no resolution forthcoming, creating the matter unaddressed. The mood during these media briefings has become increasingly awkward, raising fears it could impact what has otherwise been a decent beginning to the campaign. Chelsea's sporting situation is positive: they are fourth in the league, have reached the League Cup last four, and can secure a better Champions League draw with strong performances in their final matches. The prevailing uncertainty is whether this off-field dynamic might eventually disrupt a team that was beginning to look cohesive.
Enzo Maresca was once an assistant to Pep Guardiola with Manchester City. Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has labelled recent reports connecting him with a move to Manchester City as "100% speculation". The 45-year-old, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's assistant at the Etihad, addressed the persistent rumours about his next move. Maresca, named Chelsea manager in the summer of 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 completely unfounded," Maresca stated. "And at this moment, there is no time for such distractions." He further elaborated, Primarily, because I have a contract here for several more years. And my attention, I said many times, is just about this club and I'm honoured to be here. But again, it's rumour. 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 set to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a 12:30 GMT fixture. Strain Following Previous Remarks Maresca's most recent statement follow after he referred to a recent 48-hour period as his "worst" since joining Chelsea. Those initial words had sparked considerable speculation of a potential rift between the manager and the club's key decision-makers. When asked if he had since spoken with the club's sporting directors, Maresca replied, "We are in the same facility, so we talk about various topics. But about the post-Everton press conference, no." The Italian did confirm he would "absolutely" stay at the club for the coming campaign and called on supporters to keep backing the team". In more positive news, Maresca indicated that sidelined forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return ahead of schedule, potentially in contention for a match against Aston Villa on 27 December. Analysis: An 'Open Wound' The apparent strain between Maresca and the Chelsea board persists as an unhealed issue that still cause concern. While there has been no deepening of the situation publicly, there has equally been no resolution forthcoming, creating the matter unaddressed. The mood during these media briefings has become increasingly awkward, raising fears it could impact what has otherwise been a decent beginning to the campaign. Chelsea's sporting situation is positive: they are fourth in the league, have reached the League Cup last four, and can secure a better Champions League draw with strong performances in their final matches. The prevailing uncertainty is whether this off-field dynamic might eventually disrupt a team that was beginning to look cohesive.