🔗 Share this article Blues Manager Maresca Dismisses Man City Links as Pure Rumour Enzo Maresca previously worked as an coach to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has branded fresh talk linking him with a move to Manchester City as "100% speculation". The 45-year-old, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's assistant at the Etihad, responded to the persistent speculation about his next move. Maresca, appointed Chelsea boss in the summer of 2024, has a contract running until 2029, with a possible extra year available. "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, Primarily, because I have a contract here for several more years. And my focus, I said many times, is just about this club and I'm very proud 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 not true." Chelsea, presently placed in fourth position in the Premier League, are scheduled to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a lunchtime kick-off. Tensions After Previous Remarks Maresca's latest statement follow after he described a recent 48-hour period as his "worst" since arriving at Chelsea. Those original remarks had sparked widespread talk of a possible disagreement between the manager 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 facility, so we speak about different things. But about the post-Everton press conference, no." The Italian however affirmed he would definitely remain at the club for the coming campaign and called on supporters to keep backing the team". In brighter news, Maresca revealed that sidelined attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return sooner than expected, potentially in contention for a fixture against Aston Villa later this month. Analysis: Unresolved Tension The apparent strain between Maresca and the club's hierarchy persists as an unhealed issue that still cause concern. While there has been no deepening of the matter in the open, there has also been no resolution offered, leaving the disagreement unresolved. The atmosphere during these media briefings has grown increasingly strained, raising concerns it could impact what has otherwise been a decent beginning to the campaign. Chelsea's sporting situation is strong: they are in the top four in the Premier League, have reached the Carabao Cup semi-finals, and can secure a favourable European position with good results in their remaining matches. The prevailing question is whether this behind-the-scenes dynamic might begin to disrupt a squad that was just starting to appear cohesive.
Enzo Maresca previously worked as an coach to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has branded fresh talk linking him with a move to Manchester City as "100% speculation". The 45-year-old, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's assistant at the Etihad, responded to the persistent speculation about his next move. Maresca, appointed Chelsea boss in the summer of 2024, has a contract running until 2029, with a possible extra year available. "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, Primarily, because I have a contract here for several more years. And my focus, I said many times, is just about this club and I'm very proud 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 not true." Chelsea, presently placed in fourth position in the Premier League, are scheduled to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a lunchtime kick-off. Tensions After Previous Remarks Maresca's latest statement follow after he described a recent 48-hour period as his "worst" since arriving at Chelsea. Those original remarks had sparked widespread talk of a possible disagreement between the manager 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 facility, so we speak about different things. But about the post-Everton press conference, no." The Italian however affirmed he would definitely remain at the club for the coming campaign and called on supporters to keep backing the team". In brighter news, Maresca revealed that sidelined attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return sooner than expected, potentially in contention for a fixture against Aston Villa later this month. Analysis: Unresolved Tension The apparent strain between Maresca and the club's hierarchy persists as an unhealed issue that still cause concern. While there has been no deepening of the matter in the open, there has also been no resolution offered, leaving the disagreement unresolved. The atmosphere during these media briefings has grown increasingly strained, raising concerns it could impact what has otherwise been a decent beginning to the campaign. Chelsea's sporting situation is strong: they are in the top four in the Premier League, have reached the Carabao Cup semi-finals, and can secure a favourable European position with good results in their remaining matches. The prevailing question is whether this behind-the-scenes dynamic might begin to disrupt a squad that was just starting to appear cohesive.