🔗 Share this article Blues Boss Maresca Dismisses Man City Links as Pure Gossip Enzo Maresca previously worked as an coach to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has labelled fresh 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 surrounding his future. Maresca, named Chelsea manager in the summer of 2024, has a contract that runs until 2029, with a possible extra year option. "It doesn't bother me at all because I know that is completely unfounded," Maresca said. "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 attention, I said many times, is solely on this club and I'm honoured to be here. But again, it's rumour. One week ago I was linked with a role in Italy with Juventus. 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 12:30 GMT fixture. Strain After Recent Remarks Maresca's latest comments follow after he described a recent two-day spell as his "worst" since arriving at Chelsea. Those initial words had fueled considerable talk of a possible disagreement between the manager and the club's ownership hierarchy. When asked if he had discussed matters with the club's leadership, Maresca responded, "We are in the same facility, so we talk about different things. But about the post-Everton press conference, no." The manager however affirmed he would definitely remain at the club for the coming campaign and urged the fans to "continue to support the team". In more positive news, Maresca indicated that injured forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return sooner than expected, possibly in contention for a fixture against Aston Villa later this month. Analysis: Unresolved Tension The perceived disconnect between Maresca and the club's hierarchy remains as an open wound that still create unease. While there has been no further escalation of the matter publicly, there has equally been no apology offered, leaving the disagreement unaddressed. The atmosphere during these press conferences has become notably awkward, raising fears it could impact what has otherwise been a decent beginning to the campaign. Chelsea's on-field situation is strong: they are fourth in the Premier League, have reached the Carabao Cup semi-finals, and can achieve a favourable Champions League draw with good performances in their final games. The prevailing question is whether this behind-the-scenes situation might eventually affect a team that was just starting to look settled.
Enzo Maresca previously worked as an coach to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has labelled fresh 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 surrounding his future. Maresca, named Chelsea manager in the summer of 2024, has a contract that runs until 2029, with a possible extra year option. "It doesn't bother me at all because I know that is completely unfounded," Maresca said. "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 attention, I said many times, is solely on this club and I'm honoured to be here. But again, it's rumour. One week ago I was linked with a role in Italy with Juventus. 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 12:30 GMT fixture. Strain After Recent Remarks Maresca's latest comments follow after he described a recent two-day spell as his "worst" since arriving at Chelsea. Those initial words had fueled considerable talk of a possible disagreement between the manager and the club's ownership hierarchy. When asked if he had discussed matters with the club's leadership, Maresca responded, "We are in the same facility, so we talk about different things. But about the post-Everton press conference, no." The manager however affirmed he would definitely remain at the club for the coming campaign and urged the fans to "continue to support the team". In more positive news, Maresca indicated that injured forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return sooner than expected, possibly in contention for a fixture against Aston Villa later this month. Analysis: Unresolved Tension The perceived disconnect between Maresca and the club's hierarchy remains as an open wound that still create unease. While there has been no further escalation of the matter publicly, there has equally been no apology offered, leaving the disagreement unaddressed. The atmosphere during these press conferences has become notably awkward, raising fears it could impact what has otherwise been a decent beginning to the campaign. Chelsea's on-field situation is strong: they are fourth in the Premier League, have reached the Carabao Cup semi-finals, and can achieve a favourable Champions League draw with good performances in their final games. The prevailing question is whether this behind-the-scenes situation might eventually affect a team that was just starting to look settled.