🔗 Share this article Blues Boss Maresca Rejects Man City Links as '100%' Rumour Enzo Maresca was once an assistant 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 in Manchester, addressed the ongoing speculation surrounding his future. Maresca, appointed Chelsea manager in June 2024, is under contract running until 2029, with a potential extra year option. "It doesn't bother me at all because I know that is completely unfounded," Maresca said. "And at this moment, there is little room for such distractions." He went on to explain, "First of all, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my attention, I have stated many times, is just about this club and I'm honoured to be here. But again, it's speculation. One week ago I was connected to a role in Italy with Juventus. So I don't pay attention because I know that is without foundation." Chelsea, currently sitting in fourth position in the Premier League, are scheduled to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a lunchtime kick-off. Strain Following Previous Comments Maresca's latest statement follow in the wake of he referred to a previous 48-hour period as his "worst" since arriving at Chelsea. Those original remarks had fueled considerable speculation of a potential rift between the manager and the club's ownership hierarchy. When asked if he had since spoken with the club's leadership, Maresca responded, "We are in the same building, so we talk about various topics. But about the Everton media session, no." The Italian did confirm he would definitely stay at the club next season and called on supporters to "continue to support the team". In more positive news, Maresca revealed that injured forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return sooner than expected, potentially available for a match against Aston Villa on 27 December. Analysis: An 'Open Wound' The perceived disconnect between Maresca and the club's hierarchy persists as an unhealed issue that continues to create unease. While there has been no deepening of the matter in the open, there has also been no resolution forthcoming, creating the matter unaddressed. The mood during the manager's press conferences has grown notably awkward, raising concerns it could impact what has up to now been a promising beginning to the season. Chelsea's on-field position is positive: they are fourth in the Premier League, have qualified for the League Cup last four, and can secure a better European position with strong results in their final matches. The prevailing question is whether this behind-the-scenes situation might eventually affect a team that was just starting to appear settled.
Enzo Maresca was once an assistant 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 in Manchester, addressed the ongoing speculation surrounding his future. Maresca, appointed Chelsea manager in June 2024, is under contract running until 2029, with a potential extra year option. "It doesn't bother me at all because I know that is completely unfounded," Maresca said. "And at this moment, there is little room for such distractions." He went on to explain, "First of all, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my attention, I have stated many times, is just about this club and I'm honoured to be here. But again, it's speculation. One week ago I was connected to a role in Italy with Juventus. So I don't pay attention because I know that is without foundation." Chelsea, currently sitting in fourth position in the Premier League, are scheduled to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a lunchtime kick-off. Strain Following Previous Comments Maresca's latest statement follow in the wake of he referred to a previous 48-hour period as his "worst" since arriving at Chelsea. Those original remarks had fueled considerable speculation of a potential rift between the manager and the club's ownership hierarchy. When asked if he had since spoken with the club's leadership, Maresca responded, "We are in the same building, so we talk about various topics. But about the Everton media session, no." The Italian did confirm he would definitely stay at the club next season and called on supporters to "continue to support the team". In more positive news, Maresca revealed that injured forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return sooner than expected, potentially available for a match against Aston Villa on 27 December. Analysis: An 'Open Wound' The perceived disconnect between Maresca and the club's hierarchy persists as an unhealed issue that continues to create unease. While there has been no deepening of the matter in the open, there has also been no resolution forthcoming, creating the matter unaddressed. The mood during the manager's press conferences has grown notably awkward, raising concerns it could impact what has up to now been a promising beginning to the season. Chelsea's on-field position is positive: they are fourth in the Premier League, have qualified for the League Cup last four, and can secure a better European position with strong results in their final matches. The prevailing question is whether this behind-the-scenes situation might eventually affect a team that was just starting to appear settled.