🔗 Share this article Chelsea Manager Maresca Dismisses Man City Links as '100%' Gossip Enzo Maresca previously worked as an assistant to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has branded recent reports linking him with a return to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay. The Italian manager, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's assistant at the Etihad, addressed the persistent speculation surrounding his next move. Maresca, named Chelsea manager in the summer of 2024, is under contract running until 2029, with a potential extension available. "It doesn't bother me at all because I know that is 100% speculation," Maresca said. "And at this moment, there is no time for these kind of things." He went on to explain, "First of all, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my attention, 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 don't pay attention because I know that is without foundation." Chelsea, presently placed in fourth position in the top flight, are scheduled to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a 12:30 GMT fixture. Strain After Recent Remarks Maresca's most recent statement follow in the wake of he referred to a previous two-day spell as his most difficult since joining Chelsea. Those original remarks had fueled widespread speculation of a potential disagreement between the coach and the club's key decision-makers. When asked if he had since spoken with the club's sporting directors, Maresca replied, "We are in the same facility, so we speak about different things. But about the post-Everton media session, no." The manager did confirm he would "absolutely" remain at the club next season and urged supporters to "continue to support the team". In brighter news, Maresca indicated that sidelined forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return ahead of schedule, potentially available for a fixture against Aston Villa on 27 December. Analysis: An 'Open Wound' The apparent strain between Maresca and the Chelsea board persists as an unhealed issue that still cause concern. While there has been no deepening of the situation in the open, there has also been no apology forthcoming, creating the disagreement unresolved. The atmosphere during the manager's media briefings has become notably strained, raising fears it could impact what has otherwise been a promising beginning to the season. Chelsea's sporting situation is strong: they are fourth in the Premier League, have reached the League Cup semi-finals, and can achieve a favourable Champions League draw with good performances in their final matches. The lingering question is whether this behind-the-scenes dynamic might begin to 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 branded recent reports linking him with a return to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay. The Italian manager, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's assistant at the Etihad, addressed the persistent speculation surrounding his next move. Maresca, named Chelsea manager in the summer of 2024, is under contract running until 2029, with a potential extension available. "It doesn't bother me at all because I know that is 100% speculation," Maresca said. "And at this moment, there is no time for these kind of things." He went on to explain, "First of all, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my attention, 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 don't pay attention because I know that is without foundation." Chelsea, presently placed in fourth position in the top flight, are scheduled to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a 12:30 GMT fixture. Strain After Recent Remarks Maresca's most recent statement follow in the wake of he referred to a previous two-day spell as his most difficult since joining Chelsea. Those original remarks had fueled widespread speculation of a potential disagreement between the coach and the club's key decision-makers. When asked if he had since spoken with the club's sporting directors, Maresca replied, "We are in the same facility, so we speak about different things. But about the post-Everton media session, no." The manager did confirm he would "absolutely" remain at the club next season and urged supporters to "continue to support the team". In brighter news, Maresca indicated that sidelined forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return ahead of schedule, potentially available for a fixture against Aston Villa on 27 December. Analysis: An 'Open Wound' The apparent strain between Maresca and the Chelsea board persists as an unhealed issue that still cause concern. While there has been no deepening of the situation in the open, there has also been no apology forthcoming, creating the disagreement unresolved. The atmosphere during the manager's media briefings has become notably strained, raising fears it could impact what has otherwise been a promising beginning to the season. Chelsea's sporting situation is strong: they are fourth in the Premier League, have reached the League Cup semi-finals, and can achieve a favourable Champions League draw with good performances in their final matches. The lingering question is whether this behind-the-scenes dynamic might begin to disrupt a team that was beginning to look cohesive.