🔗 Share this article Chelsea Boss Maresca Dismisses Man City Links as '100%' Gossip Enzo Maresca previously worked as an assistant to Pep Guardiola with Manchester City. Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has labelled recent talk connecting him with a move to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay. The Italian manager, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's assistant at the Etihad, addressed the persistent rumours surrounding his next move. Maresca, appointed Chelsea boss in the summer of 2024, is under contract running until 2029, with a potential extra year option. "It doesn't affect me at all because I know that is 100% speculation," Maresca said. "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 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 a role in Italy with Juventus. So I don't pay attention because I know that is without foundation." Chelsea, presently placed fourth in the Premier League, are scheduled to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a 12:30 GMT fixture. Strain After Previous Comments Maresca's latest statement come after he referred to a previous two-day spell as his "worst" since arriving at Chelsea. Those initial remarks had sparked considerable talk of a potential disagreement between the coach and the club's ownership hierarchy. When asked if he had since spoken with the club's leadership, Maresca replied, "We are in the same facility, so we speak about various topics. But about the post-Everton media session, no." The manager did confirm he would definitely remain at the club next season and urged supporters to keep backing the team". In more positive news, Maresca indicated that injured attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return ahead of schedule, potentially in contention for a match against Aston Villa later this month. Perspective: Unresolved Tension The perceived strain between Maresca and the Chelsea board persists as an open wound that still cause concern. While there has been no deepening of the situation publicly, there has also been no resolution forthcoming, creating the disagreement unaddressed. The mood during the manager's media briefings has grown notably strained, leading to fears it could impact what has up to now been a promising beginning to the campaign. Chelsea's on-field situation is positive: they are fourth in the league, have qualified for the Carabao Cup last four, and can secure a better European position with good performances in their remaining matches. The lingering uncertainty is whether this off-field situation might eventually disrupt a team that was just starting to look settled.
Enzo Maresca previously worked as an assistant to Pep Guardiola with Manchester City. Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has labelled recent talk connecting him with a move to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay. The Italian manager, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's assistant at the Etihad, addressed the persistent rumours surrounding his next move. Maresca, appointed Chelsea boss in the summer of 2024, is under contract running until 2029, with a potential extra year option. "It doesn't affect me at all because I know that is 100% speculation," Maresca said. "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 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 a role in Italy with Juventus. So I don't pay attention because I know that is without foundation." Chelsea, presently placed fourth in the Premier League, are scheduled to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a 12:30 GMT fixture. Strain After Previous Comments Maresca's latest statement come after he referred to a previous two-day spell as his "worst" since arriving at Chelsea. Those initial remarks had sparked considerable talk of a potential disagreement between the coach and the club's ownership hierarchy. When asked if he had since spoken with the club's leadership, Maresca replied, "We are in the same facility, so we speak about various topics. But about the post-Everton media session, no." The manager did confirm he would definitely remain at the club next season and urged supporters to keep backing the team". In more positive news, Maresca indicated that injured attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return ahead of schedule, potentially in contention for a match against Aston Villa later this month. Perspective: Unresolved Tension The perceived strain between Maresca and the Chelsea board persists as an open wound that still cause concern. While there has been no deepening of the situation publicly, there has also been no resolution forthcoming, creating the disagreement unaddressed. The mood during the manager's media briefings has grown notably strained, leading to fears it could impact what has up to now been a promising beginning to the campaign. Chelsea's on-field situation is positive: they are fourth in the league, have qualified for the Carabao Cup last four, and can secure a better European position with good performances in their remaining matches. The lingering uncertainty is whether this off-field situation might eventually disrupt a team that was just starting to look settled.