🔗 Share this article Chelsea Manager Maresca Dismisses Manchester City Speculation as '100%' Rumour Enzo Maresca previously worked as an coach to Pep Guardiola with Manchester City. Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has branded recent reports connecting him with a move to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay. The Italian manager, who once served as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man in Manchester, responded to the ongoing rumours surrounding his next move. Maresca, named Chelsea boss in the summer of 2024, has a contract that runs until 2029, with a potential 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 little room for such distractions." He further elaborated, "First of all, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my focus, I said many times, is just about this club and I'm very proud to be here. But again, it's rumour. One week ago I was linked with Juventus in Italy. So I don't pay attention because I know that is not true." Chelsea, presently placed fourth in the Premier League, are scheduled to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a lunchtime fixture. Tensions Following Recent Remarks Maresca's most recent comments come after he described a previous two-day spell as his "worst" since arriving at Chelsea. Those original remarks had fueled considerable speculation of a potential disagreement between the coach and the club's key decision-makers. When asked if he had discussed matters with the club's sporting directors, Maresca replied, "We are in the same building, so we talk about various topics. But about the post-Everton press conference, no." The manager did confirm he would definitely stay at the club for the coming campaign and urged supporters to keep backing the team". In brighter news, Maresca revealed that injured forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return ahead of schedule, potentially available for a fixture against Aston Villa on 27 December. Perspective: Unresolved Tension The apparent strain between Maresca and the club's hierarchy remains as an open wound that still create unease. While there has been no deepening of the situation publicly, there has equally been no resolution forthcoming, leaving the disagreement unresolved. The mood during the manager's media briefings has become increasingly strained, raising fears it could undermine what has otherwise been a decent start to the campaign. Chelsea's on-field situation is positive: they are in the top four in the league, have reached the Carabao Cup last four, and can secure a better European draw with strong performances in their remaining games. The lingering question is whether this off-field situation might begin to disrupt a team 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 recent reports connecting him with a move to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay. The Italian manager, who once served as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man in Manchester, responded to the ongoing rumours surrounding his next move. Maresca, named Chelsea boss in the summer of 2024, has a contract that runs until 2029, with a potential 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 little room for such distractions." He further elaborated, "First of all, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my focus, I said many times, is just about this club and I'm very proud to be here. But again, it's rumour. One week ago I was linked with Juventus in Italy. So I don't pay attention because I know that is not true." Chelsea, presently placed fourth in the Premier League, are scheduled to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a lunchtime fixture. Tensions Following Recent Remarks Maresca's most recent comments come after he described a previous two-day spell as his "worst" since arriving at Chelsea. Those original remarks had fueled considerable speculation of a potential disagreement between the coach and the club's key decision-makers. When asked if he had discussed matters with the club's sporting directors, Maresca replied, "We are in the same building, so we talk about various topics. But about the post-Everton press conference, no." The manager did confirm he would definitely stay at the club for the coming campaign and urged supporters to keep backing the team". In brighter news, Maresca revealed that injured forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return ahead of schedule, potentially available for a fixture against Aston Villa on 27 December. Perspective: Unresolved Tension The apparent strain between Maresca and the club's hierarchy remains as an open wound that still create unease. While there has been no deepening of the situation publicly, there has equally been no resolution forthcoming, leaving the disagreement unresolved. The mood during the manager's media briefings has become increasingly strained, raising fears it could undermine what has otherwise been a decent start to the campaign. Chelsea's on-field situation is positive: they are in the top four in the league, have reached the Carabao Cup last four, and can secure a better European draw with strong performances in their remaining games. The lingering question is whether this off-field situation might begin to disrupt a team that was just starting to appear settled.