🔗 Share this article Blues Manager Maresca Dismisses Manchester City Links as Pure Rumour Enzo Maresca was once an coach to Pep Guardiola with Manchester City. Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has labelled fresh reports connecting him with a move to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay. The 45-year-old, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man at the Etihad, responded to the ongoing rumours about his next move. Maresca, appointed Chelsea boss in June 2024, is under contract running until 2029, with a potential extension option. "It doesn't affect me at all because I know that is 100% speculation," Maresca stated. "And at this moment, there is little room for such distractions." He further elaborated, "First of all, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my attention, I have stated many times, is solely on this club and I'm honoured to be here. But again, it's speculation. One week ago I was connected to Juventus in Italy. So I don't pay attention because I know that is without foundation." Chelsea, presently placed fourth in the top flight, are scheduled to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a lunchtime fixture. Strain After Recent Remarks Maresca's latest statement follow after he described a previous two-day spell as his "worst" since joining Chelsea. Those initial remarks had fueled considerable talk of a potential disagreement between the manager and the club's key decision-makers. When pressed if he had discussed matters with the Chelsea's leadership, Maresca responded, "We are in the same facility, so we speak about different things. But about the post-Everton media session, no." The manager did confirm he would definitely stay at the club next season and called on supporters to "continue to support the team". In more positive news, Maresca revealed that sidelined forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return sooner than expected, potentially in contention for a match against Aston Villa later this month. Analysis: Unresolved Tension The perceived strain between Maresca and the club's hierarchy remains as an unhealed issue that continues to create unease. While there has been no further escalation of the matter in the open, there has also been no resolution offered, creating the matter unresolved. The mood during these press conferences has grown notably awkward, raising concerns it could impact what has up to now been a promising start to the campaign. Chelsea's sporting position is positive: they are in the top four in the league, have qualified for the Carabao Cup semi-finals, and can secure a better European draw with strong results in their final matches. The prevailing uncertainty is whether this behind-the-scenes dynamic might eventually disrupt a team that was beginning to appear settled.
Enzo Maresca was once an coach to Pep Guardiola with Manchester City. Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has labelled fresh reports connecting him with a move to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay. The 45-year-old, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man at the Etihad, responded to the ongoing rumours about his next move. Maresca, appointed Chelsea boss in June 2024, is under contract running until 2029, with a potential extension option. "It doesn't affect me at all because I know that is 100% speculation," Maresca stated. "And at this moment, there is little room for such distractions." He further elaborated, "First of all, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my attention, I have stated many times, is solely on this club and I'm honoured to be here. But again, it's speculation. One week ago I was connected to Juventus in Italy. So I don't pay attention because I know that is without foundation." Chelsea, presently placed fourth in the top flight, are scheduled to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a lunchtime fixture. Strain After Recent Remarks Maresca's latest statement follow after he described a previous two-day spell as his "worst" since joining Chelsea. Those initial remarks had fueled considerable talk of a potential disagreement between the manager and the club's key decision-makers. When pressed if he had discussed matters with the Chelsea's leadership, Maresca responded, "We are in the same facility, so we speak about different things. But about the post-Everton media session, no." The manager did confirm he would definitely stay at the club next season and called on supporters to "continue to support the team". In more positive news, Maresca revealed that sidelined forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return sooner than expected, potentially in contention for a match against Aston Villa later this month. Analysis: Unresolved Tension The perceived strain between Maresca and the club's hierarchy remains as an unhealed issue that continues to create unease. While there has been no further escalation of the matter in the open, there has also been no resolution offered, creating the matter unresolved. The mood during these press conferences has grown notably awkward, raising concerns it could impact what has up to now been a promising start to the campaign. Chelsea's sporting position is positive: they are in the top four in the league, have qualified for the Carabao Cup semi-finals, and can secure a better European draw with strong results in their final matches. The prevailing uncertainty is whether this behind-the-scenes dynamic might eventually disrupt a team that was beginning to appear settled.