🔗 Share this article Chelsea Boss Maresca Rejects Manchester City Links as '100%' Rumour Enzo Maresca previously worked as an assistant to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has branded recent reports connecting him with a move to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay. The Italian manager, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man in Manchester, responded to the persistent rumours about his future. Maresca, named Chelsea boss in the summer of 2024, is under 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 little room for such distractions." He went on to explain, Primarily, 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 connected to a role in Italy with Juventus. So I don't pay attention 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 After Previous Remarks Maresca's latest comments come after he described a previous two-day spell as his "worst" since arriving at Chelsea. Those original words had sparked considerable talk of a potential disagreement between the manager and the club's ownership hierarchy. When pressed if he had since spoken with the club's sporting directors, Maresca replied, "We are in the same facility, so we talk about various topics. But about the Everton press conference, no." The Italian did confirm he would definitely stay at the club for the coming campaign and called on the fans to "continue to support the team". In more positive news, Maresca indicated that sidelined forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back ahead of schedule, potentially in contention for a fixture against Aston Villa later this month. Analysis: 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 matter in the open, there has equally been no resolution offered, creating the disagreement unresolved. The mood during the manager's press conferences has become notably strained, raising concerns it could undermine what has up to now been a decent beginning to the season. Chelsea's sporting position is strong: they are in the top four in the Premier League, have qualified for the Carabao Cup last four, and can achieve a favourable Champions League position with strong performances in their final games. The lingering uncertainty is whether this off-field situation might eventually disrupt a squad that was beginning to appear cohesive.
Enzo Maresca previously worked as an assistant to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has branded recent reports connecting him with a move to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay. The Italian manager, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man in Manchester, responded to the persistent rumours about his future. Maresca, named Chelsea boss in the summer of 2024, is under 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 little room for such distractions." He went on to explain, Primarily, 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 connected to a role in Italy with Juventus. So I don't pay attention 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 After Previous Remarks Maresca's latest comments come after he described a previous two-day spell as his "worst" since arriving at Chelsea. Those original words had sparked considerable talk of a potential disagreement between the manager and the club's ownership hierarchy. When pressed if he had since spoken with the club's sporting directors, Maresca replied, "We are in the same facility, so we talk about various topics. But about the Everton press conference, no." The Italian did confirm he would definitely stay at the club for the coming campaign and called on the fans to "continue to support the team". In more positive news, Maresca indicated that sidelined forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back ahead of schedule, potentially in contention for a fixture against Aston Villa later this month. Analysis: 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 matter in the open, there has equally been no resolution offered, creating the disagreement unresolved. The mood during the manager's press conferences has become notably strained, raising concerns it could undermine what has up to now been a decent beginning to the season. Chelsea's sporting position is strong: they are in the top four in the Premier League, have qualified for the Carabao Cup last four, and can achieve a favourable Champions League position with strong performances in their final games. The lingering uncertainty is whether this off-field situation might eventually disrupt a squad that was beginning to appear cohesive.