🔗 Share this article Chelsea Manager Maresca Rejects Man City Links as Pure Rumour Enzo Maresca previously worked as an assistant to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has labelled fresh reports connecting him with a return to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay. The Italian manager, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's assistant in Manchester, addressed the persistent rumours surrounding his future. Maresca, appointed Chelsea boss in June 2024, has a contract running through the end of the decade, with a possible 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 no time for these kind of things." He went on to explain, Primarily, because I have a contract here for several more years. And my attention, I have stated 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 Juventus in Italy. So I don't pay attention because I know that is not true." Chelsea, currently sitting fourth in the Premier League, are scheduled to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a 12:30 GMT kick-off. Tensions After Previous Comments Maresca's latest comments follow after he referred to a recent 48-hour period as his "worst" since arriving at Chelsea. Those original remarks had fueled considerable speculation of a potential rift between the coach and the club's ownership hierarchy. When pressed if he had discussed matters with the club's sporting directors, Maresca replied, "We are in the same facility, so we talk about various topics. But about the 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 "continue to support the team". In brighter news, Maresca revealed that sidelined forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back ahead of schedule, potentially available for a match against Aston Villa on 27 December. Perspective: Unresolved Tension The perceived strain between Maresca and the club's hierarchy persists as an unhealed issue that still create unease. While there has been no further escalation of the matter in the open, there has also been no resolution offered, creating the disagreement unaddressed. The atmosphere during these press conferences has become notably strained, leading to fears it could impact what has up to now been a promising start to the season. Chelsea's sporting position is strong: they are in the top four in the Premier League, have qualified for the League Cup last four, and can achieve a favourable Champions League position with good performances in their remaining games. The lingering question is whether this off-field situation might eventually disrupt a team that was beginning to look cohesive.
Enzo Maresca previously worked as an assistant to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has labelled fresh reports connecting him with a return to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay. The Italian manager, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's assistant in Manchester, addressed the persistent rumours surrounding his future. Maresca, appointed Chelsea boss in June 2024, has a contract running through the end of the decade, with a possible 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 no time for these kind of things." He went on to explain, Primarily, because I have a contract here for several more years. And my attention, I have stated 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 Juventus in Italy. So I don't pay attention because I know that is not true." Chelsea, currently sitting fourth in the Premier League, are scheduled to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a 12:30 GMT kick-off. Tensions After Previous Comments Maresca's latest comments follow after he referred to a recent 48-hour period as his "worst" since arriving at Chelsea. Those original remarks had fueled considerable speculation of a potential rift between the coach and the club's ownership hierarchy. When pressed if he had discussed matters with the club's sporting directors, Maresca replied, "We are in the same facility, so we talk about various topics. But about the 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 "continue to support the team". In brighter news, Maresca revealed that sidelined forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back ahead of schedule, potentially available for a match against Aston Villa on 27 December. Perspective: Unresolved Tension The perceived strain between Maresca and the club's hierarchy persists as an unhealed issue that still create unease. While there has been no further escalation of the matter in the open, there has also been no resolution offered, creating the disagreement unaddressed. The atmosphere during these press conferences has become notably strained, leading to fears it could impact what has up to now been a promising start to the season. Chelsea's sporting position is strong: they are in the top four in the Premier League, have qualified for the League Cup last four, and can achieve a favourable Champions League position with good performances in their remaining games. The lingering question is whether this off-field situation might eventually disrupt a team that was beginning to look cohesive.