🔗 Share this article Blues Boss Maresca Dismisses Manchester City Speculation as Pure Rumour Enzo Maresca was once an assistant to Pep Guardiola with Manchester City. Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has branded fresh talk connecting 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 surrounding his future. Maresca, appointed Chelsea boss in June 2024, is under contract running through the end of the decade, with a potential extension option. "It doesn't affect me at all because I know that is completely unfounded," Maresca stated. "And at this moment, there is little room for such distractions." He further elaborated, "First of all, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my focus, I said many times, is solely on this club and I'm very proud to be here. But again, it's rumour. One week ago I was linked with Juventus in Italy. So I ignore it because I know that is not true." Chelsea, currently sitting fourth in the top flight, are set 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 arriving at Chelsea. Those initial remarks had sparked widespread talk of a potential rift between the coach and the club's ownership hierarchy. When pressed if he had since spoken with the Chelsea's leadership, Maresca responded, "We are in the same facility, so we speak about various topics. But about the post-Everton media session, no." The manager however affirmed he would definitely stay at the club next season and urged supporters to "continue to support the team". In more positive news, Maresca revealed that sidelined attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back ahead of schedule, potentially in contention for a fixture against Aston Villa on 27 December. Analysis: Unresolved Tension The apparent strain between Maresca and the club's hierarchy remains as an open wound that continues to create unease. While there has been no further escalation of the matter in the open, there has equally been no resolution offered, leaving the matter unaddressed. The atmosphere during the manager's press conferences has grown notably awkward, leading to fears it could impact what has up to now been a decent start to the campaign. Chelsea's on-field position is strong: they are fourth in the Premier League, have qualified for the Carabao Cup last four, and can achieve a favourable Champions League position with good results in their final games. The prevailing uncertainty is whether this off-field situation might begin to disrupt a team that was just starting to appear settled.
Enzo Maresca was once an assistant to Pep Guardiola with Manchester City. Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has branded fresh talk connecting 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 surrounding his future. Maresca, appointed Chelsea boss in June 2024, is under contract running through the end of the decade, with a potential extension option. "It doesn't affect me at all because I know that is completely unfounded," Maresca stated. "And at this moment, there is little room for such distractions." He further elaborated, "First of all, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my focus, I said many times, is solely on this club and I'm very proud to be here. But again, it's rumour. One week ago I was linked with Juventus in Italy. So I ignore it because I know that is not true." Chelsea, currently sitting fourth in the top flight, are set 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 arriving at Chelsea. Those initial remarks had sparked widespread talk of a potential rift between the coach and the club's ownership hierarchy. When pressed if he had since spoken with the Chelsea's leadership, Maresca responded, "We are in the same facility, so we speak about various topics. But about the post-Everton media session, no." The manager however affirmed he would definitely stay at the club next season and urged supporters to "continue to support the team". In more positive news, Maresca revealed that sidelined attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back ahead of schedule, potentially in contention for a fixture against Aston Villa on 27 December. Analysis: Unresolved Tension The apparent strain between Maresca and the club's hierarchy remains as an open wound that continues to create unease. While there has been no further escalation of the matter in the open, there has equally been no resolution offered, leaving the matter unaddressed. The atmosphere during the manager's press conferences has grown notably awkward, leading to fears it could impact what has up to now been a decent start to the campaign. Chelsea's on-field position is strong: they are fourth in the Premier League, have qualified for the Carabao Cup last four, and can achieve a favourable Champions League position with good results in their final games. The prevailing uncertainty is whether this off-field situation might begin to disrupt a team that was just starting to appear settled.