🔗 Share this article Chelsea Manager Maresca Rejects Manchester City Links as '100%' Gossip Enzo Maresca previously worked as an coach to Pep Guardiola with 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 in Manchester, addressed the persistent speculation about his future. Maresca, appointed Chelsea manager in the summer of 2024, is under contract running through the end of the decade, with a possible extension available. "It doesn't affect me at all because I know that is 100% speculation," 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 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 Juventus in Italy. So I ignore it because I know that is not true." Chelsea, currently sitting in fourth position in the Premier League, are scheduled to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a 12:30 GMT fixture. Tensions Following Recent Remarks Maresca's latest statement follow after he described a previous two-day spell as his most difficult since arriving at Chelsea. Those initial words had fueled considerable talk of a potential rift between the coach and the club's ownership hierarchy. When asked if he had since spoken with the club's sporting directors, Maresca responded, "We are in the same facility, so we speak about different things. But about the post-Everton press conference, no." The Italian however affirmed he would "absolutely" stay at the club next season and urged supporters to keep backing the team". In brighter news, Maresca revealed that sidelined attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back sooner than expected, potentially available for a match against Aston Villa later this month. Perspective: Unresolved Tension The perceived disconnect between Maresca and the Chelsea board persists as an unhealed issue that still create unease. While there has been no further escalation of the matter publicly, there has equally been no apology forthcoming, creating the matter unresolved. The mood during these press conferences has become notably awkward, raising fears it could impact what has up to now been a promising beginning to the season. Chelsea's sporting situation is positive: they are fourth in the league, have reached the Carabao Cup last four, and can secure a better European draw with good performances in their final games. The prevailing uncertainty is whether this behind-the-scenes dynamic might begin to disrupt a squad that was just starting to appear settled.
Enzo Maresca previously worked as an coach to Pep Guardiola with 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 in Manchester, addressed the persistent speculation about his future. Maresca, appointed Chelsea manager in the summer of 2024, is under contract running through the end of the decade, with a possible extension available. "It doesn't affect me at all because I know that is 100% speculation," 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 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 Juventus in Italy. So I ignore it because I know that is not true." Chelsea, currently sitting in fourth position in the Premier League, are scheduled to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a 12:30 GMT fixture. Tensions Following Recent Remarks Maresca's latest statement follow after he described a previous two-day spell as his most difficult since arriving at Chelsea. Those initial words had fueled considerable talk of a potential rift between the coach and the club's ownership hierarchy. When asked if he had since spoken with the club's sporting directors, Maresca responded, "We are in the same facility, so we speak about different things. But about the post-Everton press conference, no." The Italian however affirmed he would "absolutely" stay at the club next season and urged supporters to keep backing the team". In brighter news, Maresca revealed that sidelined attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back sooner than expected, potentially available for a match against Aston Villa later this month. Perspective: Unresolved Tension The perceived disconnect between Maresca and the Chelsea board persists as an unhealed issue that still create unease. While there has been no further escalation of the matter publicly, there has equally been no apology forthcoming, creating the matter unresolved. The mood during these press conferences has become notably awkward, raising fears it could impact what has up to now been a promising beginning to the season. Chelsea's sporting situation is positive: they are fourth in the league, have reached the Carabao Cup last four, and can secure a better European draw with good performances in their final games. The prevailing uncertainty is whether this behind-the-scenes dynamic might begin to disrupt a squad that was just starting to appear settled.