🔗 Share this article Blues Manager Maresca Dismisses Man City Links as Pure Rumour Enzo Maresca was once an coach to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has branded fresh reports connecting him with a move to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay. The 45-year-old, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man at the Etihad, addressed the persistent rumours surrounding his future. Maresca, named Chelsea manager in the summer of 2024, is under contract running until 2029, with a possible extra year option. "It doesn't affect me at all because I know that is completely unfounded," Maresca stated. "And at this moment, there is no time for such distractions." He went on to explain, Primarily, because I have a contract here for several more years. And my focus, I said 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 a role in Italy with Juventus. So I don't pay attention because I know that is not true." Chelsea, presently placed in fourth position in the Premier League, are set to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a lunchtime fixture. Tensions After Recent Remarks Maresca's most recent comments come in the wake of he described a recent 48-hour period as his "worst" since joining Chelsea. Those original words had fueled considerable speculation of a potential disagreement between the coach and the club's ownership hierarchy. When asked if he had discussed matters with the Chelsea's sporting directors, Maresca replied, "We are in the same building, so we talk about various topics. But about the post-Everton media session, no." The Italian did confirm he would definitely stay at the club for the coming campaign and called on supporters to keep backing the team". In more positive news, Maresca indicated that injured attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return sooner than expected, possibly in contention for a fixture against Aston Villa later this month. Analysis: Unresolved Tension The perceived disconnect between Maresca and the Chelsea board persists as an open wound that continues to create unease. While there has been no deepening of the matter in the open, there has equally been no resolution forthcoming, creating the matter unresolved. The atmosphere during these press conferences has grown increasingly strained, leading to concerns it could impact what has otherwise been a promising start to the season. Chelsea's sporting situation is strong: they are in the top four in the Premier League, have qualified for the League Cup semi-finals, and can secure a better European draw with strong results in their remaining matches. The prevailing question is whether this behind-the-scenes dynamic might begin to affect a team that was just starting to appear settled.
Enzo Maresca was once an coach to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has branded fresh reports connecting him with a move to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay. The 45-year-old, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man at the Etihad, addressed the persistent rumours surrounding his future. Maresca, named Chelsea manager in the summer of 2024, is under contract running until 2029, with a possible extra year option. "It doesn't affect me at all because I know that is completely unfounded," Maresca stated. "And at this moment, there is no time for such distractions." He went on to explain, Primarily, because I have a contract here for several more years. And my focus, I said 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 a role in Italy with Juventus. So I don't pay attention because I know that is not true." Chelsea, presently placed in fourth position in the Premier League, are set to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a lunchtime fixture. Tensions After Recent Remarks Maresca's most recent comments come in the wake of he described a recent 48-hour period as his "worst" since joining Chelsea. Those original words had fueled considerable speculation of a potential disagreement between the coach and the club's ownership hierarchy. When asked if he had discussed matters with the Chelsea's sporting directors, Maresca replied, "We are in the same building, so we talk about various topics. But about the post-Everton media session, no." The Italian did confirm he would definitely stay at the club for the coming campaign and called on supporters to keep backing the team". In more positive news, Maresca indicated that injured attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return sooner than expected, possibly in contention for a fixture against Aston Villa later this month. Analysis: Unresolved Tension The perceived disconnect between Maresca and the Chelsea board persists as an open wound that continues to create unease. While there has been no deepening of the matter in the open, there has equally been no resolution forthcoming, creating the matter unresolved. The atmosphere during these press conferences has grown increasingly strained, leading to concerns it could impact what has otherwise been a promising start to the season. Chelsea's sporting situation is strong: they are in the top four in the Premier League, have qualified for the League Cup semi-finals, and can secure a better European draw with strong results in their remaining matches. The prevailing question is whether this behind-the-scenes dynamic might begin to affect a team that was just starting to appear settled.