🔗 Share this article Blues Manager Maresca Dismisses Man City Links as '100%' Rumour Enzo Maresca was once an coach to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has branded recent reports linking him with a move to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay. The Italian manager, who once served as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man in Manchester, addressed the ongoing rumours surrounding his future. Maresca, named Chelsea boss in June 2024, has a contract running through the end of the decade, with a possible extra year available. "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 went on to explain, Primarily, because I have a contract here for several more years. And my attention, I have stated many times, is just about this club and I'm honoured to be here. But again, it's speculation. One week ago I was linked with Juventus in Italy. So I ignore it because I know that is not true." Chelsea, presently placed fourth in the top flight, are scheduled to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a 12:30 GMT kick-off. Tensions Following Previous Comments Maresca's latest comments come in the wake of he referred to a previous two-day spell as his "worst" since arriving at Chelsea. Those original remarks had fueled widespread talk of a possible rift between the manager and the club's ownership hierarchy. When pressed if he had discussed matters with the Chelsea's leadership, Maresca replied, "We are in the same building, so we speak about various topics. But about the post-Everton media session, no." The Italian however affirmed he would definitely stay at the club for the coming campaign and called on supporters to keep backing the team". In more positive news, Maresca indicated that sidelined forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back ahead of schedule, possibly available for a match against Aston Villa later this month. Perspective: Unresolved Tension The apparent disconnect between Maresca and the club's hierarchy remains as an unhealed issue that continues to create unease. While there has been no deepening of the matter publicly, there has equally been no apology offered, creating the matter unresolved. The atmosphere during the manager's media briefings has grown notably awkward, leading to fears it could impact what has up to now been a promising start to the campaign. Chelsea's sporting position is strong: they are in the top four in the league, have reached the Carabao Cup semi-finals, and can secure a better European draw with good results in their final matches. The lingering uncertainty is whether this off-field situation might begin to disrupt a team that was beginning to appear cohesive.
Enzo Maresca was once an coach to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has branded recent reports linking him with a move to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay. The Italian manager, who once served as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man in Manchester, addressed the ongoing rumours surrounding his future. Maresca, named Chelsea boss in June 2024, has a contract running through the end of the decade, with a possible extra year available. "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 went on to explain, Primarily, because I have a contract here for several more years. And my attention, I have stated many times, is just about this club and I'm honoured to be here. But again, it's speculation. One week ago I was linked with Juventus in Italy. So I ignore it because I know that is not true." Chelsea, presently placed fourth in the top flight, are scheduled to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a 12:30 GMT kick-off. Tensions Following Previous Comments Maresca's latest comments come in the wake of he referred to a previous two-day spell as his "worst" since arriving at Chelsea. Those original remarks had fueled widespread talk of a possible rift between the manager and the club's ownership hierarchy. When pressed if he had discussed matters with the Chelsea's leadership, Maresca replied, "We are in the same building, so we speak about various topics. But about the post-Everton media session, no." The Italian however affirmed he would definitely stay at the club for the coming campaign and called on supporters to keep backing the team". In more positive news, Maresca indicated that sidelined forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back ahead of schedule, possibly available for a match against Aston Villa later this month. Perspective: Unresolved Tension The apparent disconnect between Maresca and the club's hierarchy remains as an unhealed issue that continues to create unease. While there has been no deepening of the matter publicly, there has equally been no apology offered, creating the matter unresolved. The atmosphere during the manager's media briefings has grown notably awkward, leading to fears it could impact what has up to now been a promising start to the campaign. Chelsea's sporting position is strong: they are in the top four in the league, have reached the Carabao Cup semi-finals, and can secure a better European draw with good results in their final matches. The lingering uncertainty is whether this off-field situation might begin to disrupt a team that was beginning to appear cohesive.