🔗 Share this article Chelsea Boss Maresca Dismisses Manchester City Links as Pure Gossip Enzo Maresca previously worked as an assistant to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has labelled recent talk linking him with a return to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay. The Italian manager, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man at the Etihad, responded to the ongoing rumours about his next move. Maresca, named Chelsea boss in June 2024, has a contract running until 2029, with a potential 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 further elaborated, Primarily, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my attention, I have stated many times, is just about this club and I'm honoured to be here. But again, it's rumour. One week ago I was connected to a role in Italy with Juventus. So I don't pay attention because I know that is not true." Chelsea, presently placed fourth in the Premier League, are scheduled to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a lunchtime fixture. Strain After Previous Remarks Maresca's latest comments follow after he referred to a previous two-day spell as his "worst" since arriving at Chelsea. Those initial words had fueled considerable speculation of a possible rift between the manager and the club's key decision-makers. When asked if he had discussed matters with the Chelsea's sporting directors, Maresca responded, "We are in the same facility, so we talk about various topics. But about the post-Everton media session, no." The Italian did confirm he would "absolutely" stay at the club next season and urged the fans to keep backing the team". In brighter news, Maresca revealed that injured attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return sooner than expected, potentially in contention for a fixture against Aston Villa on 27 December. Analysis: Unresolved Tension The perceived strain between Maresca and the Chelsea board persists as an open wound that continues to cause concern. While there has been no further escalation of the matter in the open, there has equally been no resolution offered, leaving the disagreement unaddressed. The atmosphere during these press conferences has grown increasingly strained, leading to fears it could impact what has otherwise been a decent beginning to the season. Chelsea's sporting position is positive: they are in the top four in the league, have qualified for the Carabao Cup last four, and can secure a favourable European position with good results in their final games. The lingering question is whether this behind-the-scenes dynamic might begin to affect a squad that was beginning to appear settled.
Enzo Maresca previously worked as an assistant to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has labelled recent talk linking him with a return to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay. The Italian manager, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man at the Etihad, responded to the ongoing rumours about his next move. Maresca, named Chelsea boss in June 2024, has a contract running until 2029, with a potential 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 further elaborated, Primarily, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my attention, I have stated many times, is just about this club and I'm honoured to be here. But again, it's rumour. One week ago I was connected to a role in Italy with Juventus. So I don't pay attention because I know that is not true." Chelsea, presently placed fourth in the Premier League, are scheduled to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a lunchtime fixture. Strain After Previous Remarks Maresca's latest comments follow after he referred to a previous two-day spell as his "worst" since arriving at Chelsea. Those initial words had fueled considerable speculation of a possible rift between the manager and the club's key decision-makers. When asked if he had discussed matters with the Chelsea's sporting directors, Maresca responded, "We are in the same facility, so we talk about various topics. But about the post-Everton media session, no." The Italian did confirm he would "absolutely" stay at the club next season and urged the fans to keep backing the team". In brighter news, Maresca revealed that injured attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return sooner than expected, potentially in contention for a fixture against Aston Villa on 27 December. Analysis: Unresolved Tension The perceived strain between Maresca and the Chelsea board persists as an open wound that continues to cause concern. While there has been no further escalation of the matter in the open, there has equally been no resolution offered, leaving the disagreement unaddressed. The atmosphere during these press conferences has grown increasingly strained, leading to fears it could impact what has otherwise been a decent beginning to the season. Chelsea's sporting position is positive: they are in the top four in the league, have qualified for the Carabao Cup last four, and can secure a favourable European position with good results in their final games. The lingering question is whether this behind-the-scenes dynamic might begin to affect a squad that was beginning to appear settled.