🔗 Share this article Blues Boss Maresca Rejects Man 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 recent talk linking him with a return to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay. The 45-year-old, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's assistant at the Etihad, responded to the ongoing speculation surrounding his future. Maresca, appointed Chelsea boss in June 2024, is under contract that runs through the end of the decade, with a possible extra year available. "It doesn't affect me at all because I know that is completely unfounded," Maresca stated. "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 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 Premier League, are scheduled to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a lunchtime fixture. Strain Following Recent Comments Maresca's latest statement follow in the wake of he described a previous two-day spell as his most difficult since arriving at Chelsea. Those initial remarks had fueled widespread talk of a potential rift between the manager and the club's ownership hierarchy. When asked if he had since spoken with the Chelsea's leadership, Maresca replied, "We are in the same facility, so we speak about various topics. But about the Everton media session, no." The Italian however affirmed he would definitely remain at the club for the coming campaign and urged the fans to "continue to support the team". In more positive news, Maresca revealed that injured forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return ahead of schedule, possibly available for a fixture against Aston Villa later this month. Analysis: An 'Open Wound' The perceived disconnect between Maresca and the club's hierarchy persists as an unhealed issue that continues to cause concern. While there has been no deepening of the matter publicly, there has equally been no resolution offered, creating the disagreement unaddressed. The atmosphere during these media briefings has grown notably strained, raising fears it could undermine what has otherwise been a promising beginning to the campaign. Chelsea's sporting situation is positive: they are fourth in the Premier League, have reached the Carabao Cup last four, and can achieve a better European draw with good results in their final matches. The lingering question is whether this behind-the-scenes situation might eventually disrupt a squad that was beginning to appear cohesive.
Enzo Maresca previously worked as an assistant to Pep Guardiola with Manchester City. Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has branded recent talk linking him with a return to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay. The 45-year-old, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's assistant at the Etihad, responded to the ongoing speculation surrounding his future. Maresca, appointed Chelsea boss in June 2024, is under contract that runs through the end of the decade, with a possible extra year available. "It doesn't affect me at all because I know that is completely unfounded," Maresca stated. "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 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 Premier League, are scheduled to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a lunchtime fixture. Strain Following Recent Comments Maresca's latest statement follow in the wake of he described a previous two-day spell as his most difficult since arriving at Chelsea. Those initial remarks had fueled widespread talk of a potential rift between the manager and the club's ownership hierarchy. When asked if he had since spoken with the Chelsea's leadership, Maresca replied, "We are in the same facility, so we speak about various topics. But about the Everton media session, no." The Italian however affirmed he would definitely remain at the club for the coming campaign and urged the fans to "continue to support the team". In more positive news, Maresca revealed that injured forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return ahead of schedule, possibly available for a fixture against Aston Villa later this month. Analysis: An 'Open Wound' The perceived disconnect between Maresca and the club's hierarchy persists as an unhealed issue that continues to cause concern. While there has been no deepening of the matter publicly, there has equally been no resolution offered, creating the disagreement unaddressed. The atmosphere during these media briefings has grown notably strained, raising fears it could undermine what has otherwise been a promising beginning to the campaign. Chelsea's sporting situation is positive: they are fourth in the Premier League, have reached the Carabao Cup last four, and can achieve a better European draw with good results in their final matches. The lingering question is whether this behind-the-scenes situation might eventually disrupt a squad that was beginning to appear cohesive.