🔗 Share this article Chelsea Manager Maresca Dismisses Manchester City Links as Pure Gossip Enzo Maresca was once an coach to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has labelled recent reports linking him with a return to Manchester City as "100% speculation". The Italian manager, who once served as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man at the Etihad, addressed the persistent rumours about his next move. Maresca, named Chelsea manager in June 2024, is under contract running until 2029, with a potential extension available. "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 until 2029. 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 in fourth position in the Premier League, are set to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a 12:30 GMT fixture. Tensions Following Recent Comments Maresca's most recent statement come after he referred to a recent two-day spell as his most difficult since joining Chelsea. Those original words had fueled considerable talk of a potential rift between the manager and the club's key decision-makers. 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 various topics. But about the post-Everton press conference, no." The Italian however affirmed he would definitely remain at the club next season and called on the fans to keep backing the team". In brighter news, Maresca indicated that injured attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return sooner than expected, possibly available for a fixture against Aston Villa later this month. Analysis: Unresolved Tension The perceived strain between Maresca and the Chelsea board remains as an open wound that continues to cause concern. While there has been no further escalation of the situation in the open, there has also been no apology offered, creating the matter unresolved. The mood during the manager's media briefings has grown increasingly strained, leading to fears it could impact what has up to now been a decent beginning to the campaign. Chelsea's on-field situation is strong: they are fourth in the league, have reached the League Cup last four, and can secure a better European draw with strong performances in their remaining games. The prevailing question is whether this off-field dynamic might eventually affect a team that was just starting to appear cohesive.
Enzo Maresca was once an coach to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has labelled recent reports linking him with a return to Manchester City as "100% speculation". The Italian manager, who once served as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man at the Etihad, addressed the persistent rumours about his next move. Maresca, named Chelsea manager in June 2024, is under contract running until 2029, with a potential extension available. "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 until 2029. 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 in fourth position in the Premier League, are set to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a 12:30 GMT fixture. Tensions Following Recent Comments Maresca's most recent statement come after he referred to a recent two-day spell as his most difficult since joining Chelsea. Those original words had fueled considerable talk of a potential rift between the manager and the club's key decision-makers. 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 various topics. But about the post-Everton press conference, no." The Italian however affirmed he would definitely remain at the club next season and called on the fans to keep backing the team". In brighter news, Maresca indicated that injured attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return sooner than expected, possibly available for a fixture against Aston Villa later this month. Analysis: Unresolved Tension The perceived strain between Maresca and the Chelsea board remains as an open wound that continues to cause concern. While there has been no further escalation of the situation in the open, there has also been no apology offered, creating the matter unresolved. The mood during the manager's media briefings has grown increasingly strained, leading to fears it could impact what has up to now been a decent beginning to the campaign. Chelsea's on-field situation is strong: they are fourth in the league, have reached the League Cup last four, and can secure a better European draw with strong performances in their remaining games. The prevailing question is whether this off-field dynamic might eventually affect a team that was just starting to appear cohesive.