🔗 Share this article Chelsea Boss Maresca Rejects Man City Speculation as Pure Rumour Enzo Maresca previously worked as an assistant to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has branded fresh talk linking 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 next move. Maresca, named Chelsea boss in June 2024, is under contract running through the end of the decade, with a potential extension available. "It doesn't affect me at all because I know that is completely unfounded," Maresca stated. "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 just about this club and I'm very proud to be here. But again, it's rumour. One week ago I was linked with a role in Italy with Juventus. So I ignore it because I know that is not true." Chelsea, presently placed fourth in the Premier League, are scheduled to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a 12:30 GMT kick-off. Tensions Following Recent Remarks Maresca's latest statement come in the wake of he described a recent two-day spell as his most difficult since arriving at Chelsea. Those initial remarks had fueled widespread talk of a potential rift between the manager and the club's ownership hierarchy. When asked if he had discussed matters with the club's leadership, Maresca replied, "We are in the same building, so we talk about various topics. But about the post-Everton press conference, no." The Italian however affirmed he would definitely stay at the club for the coming campaign and urged the fans to "continue to support the team". In brighter news, Maresca indicated that injured attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back sooner than expected, potentially in contention for a fixture against Aston Villa on 27 December. Perspective: An 'Open Wound' The apparent strain between Maresca and the Chelsea board persists as an open wound that still create unease. While there has been no further escalation of the matter publicly, there has equally been no resolution forthcoming, leaving the disagreement unaddressed. The atmosphere during these media briefings has grown increasingly awkward, raising fears it could undermine what has otherwise been a promising start to the season. Chelsea's sporting situation is strong: they are in the top four in the league, have reached the League Cup semi-finals, and can secure a better Champions League position with good performances in their final games. The prevailing uncertainty is whether this off-field dynamic might eventually disrupt a team that was beginning to appear cohesive.
Enzo Maresca previously worked as an assistant to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has branded fresh talk linking 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 next move. Maresca, named Chelsea boss in June 2024, is under contract running through the end of the decade, with a potential extension available. "It doesn't affect me at all because I know that is completely unfounded," Maresca stated. "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 just about this club and I'm very proud to be here. But again, it's rumour. One week ago I was linked with a role in Italy with Juventus. So I ignore it because I know that is not true." Chelsea, presently placed fourth in the Premier League, are scheduled to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a 12:30 GMT kick-off. Tensions Following Recent Remarks Maresca's latest statement come in the wake of he described a recent two-day spell as his most difficult since arriving at Chelsea. Those initial remarks had fueled widespread talk of a potential rift between the manager and the club's ownership hierarchy. When asked if he had discussed matters with the club's leadership, Maresca replied, "We are in the same building, so we talk about various topics. But about the post-Everton press conference, no." The Italian however affirmed he would definitely stay at the club for the coming campaign and urged the fans to "continue to support the team". In brighter news, Maresca indicated that injured attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back sooner than expected, potentially in contention for a fixture against Aston Villa on 27 December. Perspective: An 'Open Wound' The apparent strain between Maresca and the Chelsea board persists as an open wound that still create unease. While there has been no further escalation of the matter publicly, there has equally been no resolution forthcoming, leaving the disagreement unaddressed. The atmosphere during these media briefings has grown increasingly awkward, raising fears it could undermine what has otherwise been a promising start to the season. Chelsea's sporting situation is strong: they are in the top four in the league, have reached the League Cup semi-finals, and can secure a better Champions League position with good performances in their final games. The prevailing uncertainty is whether this off-field dynamic might eventually disrupt a team that was beginning to appear cohesive.