🔗 Share this article Blues Manager Maresca Rejects Manchester City Speculation as Pure Gossip Enzo Maresca previously worked as an assistant to Pep Guardiola with Manchester City. Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has labelled recent reports linking him with a move to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay. The Italian manager, who once served as Pep Guardiola's assistant in Manchester, responded to the ongoing rumours surrounding his future. Maresca, appointed Chelsea boss in June 2024, has a contract running through the end of the decade, with a potential extension option. "It doesn't bother me at all because I know that is completely unfounded," Maresca stated. "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 attention, 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 connected to Juventus in Italy. So I ignore it because I know that is not true." Chelsea, presently placed fourth in the top flight, are set to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a 12:30 GMT fixture. Strain Following Previous Remarks Maresca's most recent comments follow in the wake of he referred to a previous 48-hour period as his "worst" since arriving at Chelsea. Those initial words had fueled considerable speculation of a potential disagreement between the coach and the club's ownership hierarchy. When pressed if he had since spoken with the club's sporting directors, Maresca replied, "We are in the same building, so we speak about various topics. But about the Everton media session, no." The Italian did confirm he would "absolutely" remain at the club for the coming campaign and called on the fans 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 available for a match against Aston Villa later this month. Analysis: An 'Open Wound' The apparent 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 matter publicly, there has equally been no resolution forthcoming, creating the disagreement unaddressed. The mood during these media briefings has become increasingly strained, leading to concerns it could impact what has otherwise been a promising start to the campaign. Chelsea's sporting situation is strong: they are fourth in the Premier League, have reached the Carabao Cup last four, and can secure a better Champions League position with good performances in their final games. The lingering uncertainty is whether this off-field situation might eventually affect a team that was just starting to appear cohesive.
Enzo Maresca previously worked as an assistant to Pep Guardiola with Manchester City. Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has labelled recent reports linking him with a move to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay. The Italian manager, who once served as Pep Guardiola's assistant in Manchester, responded to the ongoing rumours surrounding his future. Maresca, appointed Chelsea boss in June 2024, has a contract running through the end of the decade, with a potential extension option. "It doesn't bother me at all because I know that is completely unfounded," Maresca stated. "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 attention, 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 connected to Juventus in Italy. So I ignore it because I know that is not true." Chelsea, presently placed fourth in the top flight, are set to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a 12:30 GMT fixture. Strain Following Previous Remarks Maresca's most recent comments follow in the wake of he referred to a previous 48-hour period as his "worst" since arriving at Chelsea. Those initial words had fueled considerable speculation of a potential disagreement between the coach and the club's ownership hierarchy. When pressed if he had since spoken with the club's sporting directors, Maresca replied, "We are in the same building, so we speak about various topics. But about the Everton media session, no." The Italian did confirm he would "absolutely" remain at the club for the coming campaign and called on the fans 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 available for a match against Aston Villa later this month. Analysis: An 'Open Wound' The apparent 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 matter publicly, there has equally been no resolution forthcoming, creating the disagreement unaddressed. The mood during these media briefings has become increasingly strained, leading to concerns it could impact what has otherwise been a promising start to the campaign. Chelsea's sporting situation is strong: they are fourth in the Premier League, have reached the Carabao Cup last four, and can secure a better Champions League position with good performances in their final games. The lingering uncertainty is whether this off-field situation might eventually affect a team that was just starting to appear cohesive.