🔗 Share this article Chelsea Manager Maresca Dismisses Manchester City Links as Pure Rumour Enzo Maresca was once an coach to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has labelled fresh reports linking him with a return to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay. The 45-year-old, who once served as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man at the Etihad, responded to the persistent speculation surrounding his future. Maresca, appointed Chelsea boss in the summer of 2024, is under contract that runs through the end of the decade, with a possible extra year available. "It doesn't bother me at all because I know that is completely unfounded," Maresca stated. "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 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 without foundation." Chelsea, currently sitting fourth in the Premier League, are set to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a lunchtime fixture. Strain Following Recent Remarks Maresca's latest statement come in the wake of he described a previous 48-hour period as his most difficult since joining Chelsea. Those original words had sparked widespread talk of a potential rift between the manager and the club's ownership hierarchy. When pressed if he had since spoken with the Chelsea's sporting directors, Maresca replied, "We are in the same facility, so we talk about various topics. But about the post-Everton media session, no." The Italian however affirmed he would "absolutely" stay at the club for the coming campaign and called on the fans to keep backing the team". In brighter news, Maresca revealed that injured attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back ahead of schedule, possibly available for a match against Aston Villa later this month. Perspective: An 'Open Wound' The perceived disconnect between Maresca and the club's hierarchy remains as an open wound that still cause concern. While there has been no further escalation of the matter publicly, there has also been no resolution forthcoming, leaving the disagreement unaddressed. The atmosphere during the manager's press conferences has grown notably strained, raising fears it could impact what has otherwise been a decent beginning to the season. Chelsea's sporting position is positive: they are fourth in the Premier League, have qualified for the Carabao Cup last four, and can achieve a favourable European position with good results in their remaining matches. The prevailing uncertainty is whether this behind-the-scenes situation might eventually disrupt 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 labelled fresh reports linking him with a return to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay. The 45-year-old, who once served as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man at the Etihad, responded to the persistent speculation surrounding his future. Maresca, appointed Chelsea boss in the summer of 2024, is under contract that runs through the end of the decade, with a possible extra year available. "It doesn't bother me at all because I know that is completely unfounded," Maresca stated. "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 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 without foundation." Chelsea, currently sitting fourth in the Premier League, are set to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a lunchtime fixture. Strain Following Recent Remarks Maresca's latest statement come in the wake of he described a previous 48-hour period as his most difficult since joining Chelsea. Those original words had sparked widespread talk of a potential rift between the manager and the club's ownership hierarchy. When pressed if he had since spoken with the Chelsea's sporting directors, Maresca replied, "We are in the same facility, so we talk about various topics. But about the post-Everton media session, no." The Italian however affirmed he would "absolutely" stay at the club for the coming campaign and called on the fans to keep backing the team". In brighter news, Maresca revealed that injured attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back ahead of schedule, possibly available for a match against Aston Villa later this month. Perspective: An 'Open Wound' The perceived disconnect between Maresca and the club's hierarchy remains as an open wound that still cause concern. While there has been no further escalation of the matter publicly, there has also been no resolution forthcoming, leaving the disagreement unaddressed. The atmosphere during the manager's press conferences has grown notably strained, raising fears it could impact what has otherwise been a decent beginning to the season. Chelsea's sporting position is positive: they are fourth in the Premier League, have qualified for the Carabao Cup last four, and can achieve a favourable European position with good results in their remaining matches. The prevailing uncertainty is whether this behind-the-scenes situation might eventually disrupt a team that was just starting to appear settled.