🔗 Share this article Blues Boss Maresca Dismisses Manchester City Links as Pure Rumour Enzo Maresca previously worked as an coach to Pep Guardiola with Manchester City. Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has labelled recent reports linking him with a return to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay. The 45-year-old, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man in Manchester, addressed the persistent rumours about his next move. Maresca, named Chelsea manager in the summer of 2024, is under contract that runs through the end of the decade, with a possible extension option. "It doesn't affect 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 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 rumour. One week ago I was connected to Juventus in Italy. So I ignore it because I know that is not true." Chelsea, currently sitting fourth in the Premier League, are set to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a lunchtime kick-off. Strain Following Previous Comments Maresca's most recent comments come in the wake of he described a recent two-day spell as his most difficult since arriving at Chelsea. Those initial words had fueled widespread talk of a potential disagreement between the manager and the club's ownership hierarchy. When asked if he had discussed matters with the Chelsea's leadership, Maresca responded, "We are in the same building, so we speak about different things. But about the post-Everton media session, no." The manager however affirmed he would "absolutely" remain at the club for the coming campaign and called on the fans to keep backing the team". In brighter news, Maresca indicated that sidelined attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return sooner than expected, potentially available for a match against Aston Villa later this month. Perspective: Unresolved Tension The perceived strain between Maresca and the club's hierarchy persists as an open wound that still cause concern. While there has been no deepening of the situation publicly, there has equally been no resolution forthcoming, creating the disagreement unresolved. The atmosphere during these press conferences has become notably awkward, raising concerns it could undermine what has up to now been a promising beginning to the season. Chelsea's sporting situation is positive: they are fourth in the league, have reached the League Cup semi-finals, and can achieve a favourable European position with strong performances in their final games. The prevailing question is whether this off-field dynamic might begin to affect a team that was beginning to appear settled.
Enzo Maresca previously worked as an coach to Pep Guardiola with Manchester City. Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has labelled recent reports linking him with a return to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay. The 45-year-old, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man in Manchester, addressed the persistent rumours about his next move. Maresca, named Chelsea manager in the summer of 2024, is under contract that runs through the end of the decade, with a possible extension option. "It doesn't affect 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 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 rumour. One week ago I was connected to Juventus in Italy. So I ignore it because I know that is not true." Chelsea, currently sitting fourth in the Premier League, are set to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a lunchtime kick-off. Strain Following Previous Comments Maresca's most recent comments come in the wake of he described a recent two-day spell as his most difficult since arriving at Chelsea. Those initial words had fueled widespread talk of a potential disagreement between the manager and the club's ownership hierarchy. When asked if he had discussed matters with the Chelsea's leadership, Maresca responded, "We are in the same building, so we speak about different things. But about the post-Everton media session, no." The manager however affirmed he would "absolutely" remain at the club for the coming campaign and called on the fans to keep backing the team". In brighter news, Maresca indicated that sidelined attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return sooner than expected, potentially available for a match against Aston Villa later this month. Perspective: Unresolved Tension The perceived strain between Maresca and the club's hierarchy persists as an open wound that still cause concern. While there has been no deepening of the situation publicly, there has equally been no resolution forthcoming, creating the disagreement unresolved. The atmosphere during these press conferences has become notably awkward, raising concerns it could undermine what has up to now been a promising beginning to the season. Chelsea's sporting situation is positive: they are fourth in the league, have reached the League Cup semi-finals, and can achieve a favourable European position with strong performances in their final games. The prevailing question is whether this off-field dynamic might begin to affect a team that was beginning to appear settled.