🔗 Share this article Blues Boss Maresca Rejects Manchester City Links as Pure Gossip Enzo Maresca previously worked as an assistant to Pep Guardiola with Manchester City. Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has branded 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, addressed the ongoing rumours about his next move. Maresca, appointed Chelsea manager in the summer of 2024, is under contract that runs through the end of the decade, with a possible extension option. "It doesn't affect me at all because I know that is completely unfounded," Maresca said. "And at this moment, there is little room for these kind of things." He further elaborated, "First of all, 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 linked with a role in Italy with Juventus. So I ignore it because I know that is without foundation." Chelsea, currently sitting in fourth position in the top flight, are set to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a lunchtime kick-off. Strain After Previous Remarks Maresca's most recent comments follow after he referred to a recent 48-hour period as his most difficult since joining Chelsea. Those original words had sparked widespread talk of a potential disagreement between the coach and the club's ownership hierarchy. 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 Italian did confirm he would definitely stay at the club for the coming campaign and urged the fans to "continue to support the team". In brighter news, Maresca revealed that injured forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return sooner than expected, potentially in contention for a match against Aston Villa later this month. Perspective: Unresolved Tension The apparent disconnect between Maresca and the club's hierarchy remains as an open wound that still create unease. While there has been no further escalation of the matter publicly, there has equally been no resolution offered, creating the matter unaddressed. The atmosphere during the manager's press conferences has grown notably awkward, raising concerns it could impact what has otherwise been a promising start to the campaign. Chelsea's on-field position is positive: they are fourth in the Premier League, have reached the League Cup semi-finals, and can secure a better Champions League draw with good results in their remaining games. The lingering question is whether this off-field situation might begin to affect a team that was just starting to look cohesive.
Enzo Maresca previously worked as an assistant to Pep Guardiola with Manchester City. Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has branded 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, addressed the ongoing rumours about his next move. Maresca, appointed Chelsea manager in the summer of 2024, is under contract that runs through the end of the decade, with a possible extension option. "It doesn't affect me at all because I know that is completely unfounded," Maresca said. "And at this moment, there is little room for these kind of things." He further elaborated, "First of all, 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 linked with a role in Italy with Juventus. So I ignore it because I know that is without foundation." Chelsea, currently sitting in fourth position in the top flight, are set to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a lunchtime kick-off. Strain After Previous Remarks Maresca's most recent comments follow after he referred to a recent 48-hour period as his most difficult since joining Chelsea. Those original words had sparked widespread talk of a potential disagreement between the coach and the club's ownership hierarchy. 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 Italian did confirm he would definitely stay at the club for the coming campaign and urged the fans to "continue to support the team". In brighter news, Maresca revealed that injured forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return sooner than expected, potentially in contention for a match against Aston Villa later this month. Perspective: Unresolved Tension The apparent disconnect between Maresca and the club's hierarchy remains as an open wound that still create unease. While there has been no further escalation of the matter publicly, there has equally been no resolution offered, creating the matter unaddressed. The atmosphere during the manager's press conferences has grown notably awkward, raising concerns it could impact what has otherwise been a promising start to the campaign. Chelsea's on-field position is positive: they are fourth in the Premier League, have reached the League Cup semi-finals, and can secure a better Champions League draw with good results in their remaining games. The lingering question is whether this off-field situation might begin to affect a team that was just starting to look cohesive.