🔗 Share this article Chelsea Boss Maresca Rejects Manchester City Links as '100%' Gossip Enzo Maresca was once an assistant to Pep Guardiola with Manchester City. Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has branded fresh talk connecting him with a move to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay. The 45-year-old, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's assistant at the Etihad, addressed the persistent rumours about his next move. Maresca, named Chelsea manager in June 2024, has a contract running through the end of the decade, with a potential extra year option. "It doesn't bother me at all because I know that is 100% speculation," Maresca said. "And at this moment, there is no time for these kind of things." He further elaborated, "First of all, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my focus, I have stated many times, is solely on this club and I'm very proud 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, currently sitting fourth in the Premier League, are scheduled to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a 12:30 GMT fixture. Strain Following Previous Comments Maresca's most recent comments follow in the wake of he referred to a recent 48-hour period as his most difficult since joining Chelsea. Those initial remarks had fueled considerable speculation of a possible rift between the coach and the club's key decision-makers. When asked if he had discussed matters with the club's leadership, Maresca replied, "We are in the same facility, so we speak about different things. But about the Everton press conference, no." The manager did confirm he would "absolutely" remain at the club for the coming campaign and urged supporters to "continue to support the team". In more positive news, Maresca revealed that injured attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back 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 persists as an unhealed issue that continues to cause concern. While there has been no further escalation of the situation in the open, there has equally been no resolution offered, leaving the disagreement unaddressed. The mood during these press conferences has become notably strained, raising fears it could undermine what has up to now been a promising start to the season. Chelsea's on-field position is strong: they are in the top four in the Premier League, have reached the Carabao Cup last four, and can achieve a better European draw with good results in their remaining matches. The lingering question is whether this behind-the-scenes dynamic might begin to disrupt a squad that was just starting to appear cohesive.
Enzo Maresca was once an assistant to Pep Guardiola with Manchester City. Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has branded fresh talk connecting him with a move to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay. The 45-year-old, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's assistant at the Etihad, addressed the persistent rumours about his next move. Maresca, named Chelsea manager in June 2024, has a contract running through the end of the decade, with a potential extra year option. "It doesn't bother me at all because I know that is 100% speculation," Maresca said. "And at this moment, there is no time for these kind of things." He further elaborated, "First of all, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my focus, I have stated many times, is solely on this club and I'm very proud 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, currently sitting fourth in the Premier League, are scheduled to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a 12:30 GMT fixture. Strain Following Previous Comments Maresca's most recent comments follow in the wake of he referred to a recent 48-hour period as his most difficult since joining Chelsea. Those initial remarks had fueled considerable speculation of a possible rift between the coach and the club's key decision-makers. When asked if he had discussed matters with the club's leadership, Maresca replied, "We are in the same facility, so we speak about different things. But about the Everton press conference, no." The manager did confirm he would "absolutely" remain at the club for the coming campaign and urged supporters to "continue to support the team". In more positive news, Maresca revealed that injured attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back 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 persists as an unhealed issue that continues to cause concern. While there has been no further escalation of the situation in the open, there has equally been no resolution offered, leaving the disagreement unaddressed. The mood during these press conferences has become notably strained, raising fears it could undermine what has up to now been a promising start to the season. Chelsea's on-field position is strong: they are in the top four in the Premier League, have reached the Carabao Cup last four, and can achieve a better European draw with good results in their remaining matches. The lingering question is whether this behind-the-scenes dynamic might begin to disrupt a squad that was just starting to appear cohesive.