🔗 Share this article Chelsea Manager Maresca Rejects Man City Links as Pure Gossip Enzo Maresca was once an coach to Pep Guardiola with Manchester City. Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has branded fresh reports connecting him with a move to Manchester City as "100% speculation". The 45-year-old, who once served as Pep Guardiola's assistant at the Etihad, responded to the ongoing rumours surrounding his future. Maresca, appointed Chelsea manager in June 2024, has a 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 such distractions." He went on to explain, "First of all, because I have a contract here for several more years. And my focus, I have stated 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 ignore it because I know that is not true." Chelsea, currently sitting fourth in the top flight, are scheduled to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a lunchtime fixture. Tensions After Previous Remarks Maresca's latest comments follow after he referred to a previous 48-hour period as his "worst" since joining Chelsea. Those original words had fueled considerable speculation of a potential disagreement between the manager and the club's ownership hierarchy. When pressed if he had since spoken with the Chelsea's leadership, Maresca replied, "We are in the same building, so we talk about different things. But about the post-Everton media session, no." The manager however affirmed he would definitely stay at the club for the coming campaign and called on the fans to "continue to support the team". In more positive news, Maresca revealed that sidelined forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return ahead of schedule, potentially in contention for a fixture against Aston Villa later this month. Analysis: Unresolved Tension The perceived strain between Maresca and the Chelsea board persists 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 apology offered, leaving the matter unresolved. The mood during the manager's media briefings has grown increasingly strained, leading to concerns it could impact what has otherwise been a promising beginning to the campaign. Chelsea's sporting position is positive: they are fourth in the league, have reached the League Cup semi-finals, and can secure a favourable European draw with good results in their final games. The prevailing question is whether this behind-the-scenes dynamic might begin to disrupt a team that was just starting to look settled.
Enzo Maresca was once an coach to Pep Guardiola with Manchester City. Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has branded fresh reports connecting him with a move to Manchester City as "100% speculation". The 45-year-old, who once served as Pep Guardiola's assistant at the Etihad, responded to the ongoing rumours surrounding his future. Maresca, appointed Chelsea manager in June 2024, has a 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 such distractions." He went on to explain, "First of all, because I have a contract here for several more years. And my focus, I have stated 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 ignore it because I know that is not true." Chelsea, currently sitting fourth in the top flight, are scheduled to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a lunchtime fixture. Tensions After Previous Remarks Maresca's latest comments follow after he referred to a previous 48-hour period as his "worst" since joining Chelsea. Those original words had fueled considerable speculation of a potential disagreement between the manager and the club's ownership hierarchy. When pressed if he had since spoken with the Chelsea's leadership, Maresca replied, "We are in the same building, so we talk about different things. But about the post-Everton media session, no." The manager however affirmed he would definitely stay at the club for the coming campaign and called on the fans to "continue to support the team". In more positive news, Maresca revealed that sidelined forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return ahead of schedule, potentially in contention for a fixture against Aston Villa later this month. Analysis: Unresolved Tension The perceived strain between Maresca and the Chelsea board persists 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 apology offered, leaving the matter unresolved. The mood during the manager's media briefings has grown increasingly strained, leading to concerns it could impact what has otherwise been a promising beginning to the campaign. Chelsea's sporting position is positive: they are fourth in the league, have reached the League Cup semi-finals, and can secure a favourable European draw with good results in their final games. The prevailing question is whether this behind-the-scenes dynamic might begin to disrupt a team that was just starting to look settled.