🔗 Share this article Chelsea Boss Maresca Rejects Man City Speculation as Pure Gossip Enzo Maresca was once an assistant to Pep Guardiola with Manchester City. Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has branded fresh talk linking him with a return to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay. The 45-year-old, who once served as Pep Guardiola's assistant in Manchester, addressed the persistent speculation about his next move. Maresca, appointed Chelsea boss in the summer of 2024, is under 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 100% speculation," Maresca stated. "And at this moment, there is no time for such distractions." He went on to explain, "First of all, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my focus, I said many times, is just about this club and I'm very proud to be here. But again, it's rumour. One week ago I was linked with a role in Italy with Juventus. So I don't pay attention because I know that is without foundation." Chelsea, currently sitting in fourth position in the top flight, are set to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a lunchtime kick-off. Strain After Recent Comments Maresca's latest statement follow in the wake of he described a recent two-day spell as his "worst" since joining Chelsea. Those original words had fueled considerable talk of a potential disagreement between the manager and the club's key decision-makers. When pressed if he had since spoken with the club's leadership, Maresca responded, "We are in the same facility, so we speak about different things. But about the post-Everton press conference, no." The manager did confirm he would "absolutely" remain at the club next season and called on supporters to "continue to support the team". In brighter news, Maresca indicated that sidelined attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back ahead of schedule, potentially in contention for a match against Aston Villa on 27 December. Analysis: An 'Open Wound' The perceived strain between Maresca and the club's hierarchy persists as an open wound that continues to cause concern. While there has been no deepening of the situation in the open, there has equally been no resolution forthcoming, creating the disagreement unaddressed. The mood during these press conferences has become notably strained, leading to fears it could impact what has up to now been a decent start to the campaign. Chelsea's sporting position is strong: they are in the top four in the league, have reached the League Cup last four, and can achieve a favourable European draw with strong results in their final games. The lingering question is whether this behind-the-scenes situation might eventually disrupt a team that was beginning to look settled.
Enzo Maresca was once an assistant to Pep Guardiola with Manchester City. Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has branded fresh talk linking him with a return to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay. The 45-year-old, who once served as Pep Guardiola's assistant in Manchester, addressed the persistent speculation about his next move. Maresca, appointed Chelsea boss in the summer of 2024, is under 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 100% speculation," Maresca stated. "And at this moment, there is no time for such distractions." He went on to explain, "First of all, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my focus, I said many times, is just about this club and I'm very proud to be here. But again, it's rumour. One week ago I was linked with a role in Italy with Juventus. So I don't pay attention because I know that is without foundation." Chelsea, currently sitting in fourth position in the top flight, are set to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a lunchtime kick-off. Strain After Recent Comments Maresca's latest statement follow in the wake of he described a recent two-day spell as his "worst" since joining Chelsea. Those original words had fueled considerable talk of a potential disagreement between the manager and the club's key decision-makers. When pressed if he had since spoken with the club's leadership, Maresca responded, "We are in the same facility, so we speak about different things. But about the post-Everton press conference, no." The manager did confirm he would "absolutely" remain at the club next season and called on supporters to "continue to support the team". In brighter news, Maresca indicated that sidelined attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back ahead of schedule, potentially in contention for a match against Aston Villa on 27 December. Analysis: An 'Open Wound' The perceived strain between Maresca and the club's hierarchy persists as an open wound that continues to cause concern. While there has been no deepening of the situation in the open, there has equally been no resolution forthcoming, creating the disagreement unaddressed. The mood during these press conferences has become notably strained, leading to fears it could impact what has up to now been a decent start to the campaign. Chelsea's sporting position is strong: they are in the top four in the league, have reached the League Cup last four, and can achieve a favourable European draw with strong results in their final games. The lingering question is whether this behind-the-scenes situation might eventually disrupt a team that was beginning to look settled.