🔗 Share this article Chelsea Manager Maresca Dismisses Man City Links as '100%' Rumour Enzo Maresca was once an assistant to Pep Guardiola with Manchester City. Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has branded recent talk connecting him with a return to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay. The Italian manager, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's assistant in Manchester, responded to the ongoing rumours about his future. Maresca, appointed Chelsea boss in June 2024, has a contract running through the end of the decade, with a possible extra year available. "It doesn't bother 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, Primarily, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my attention, I have stated many times, is just about this club and I'm very proud to be here. But again, it's rumour. One week ago I was connected to a role in Italy with Juventus. So I ignore it because I know that is not true." Chelsea, presently placed fourth in the Premier League, are scheduled to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a 12:30 GMT kick-off. Tensions After Previous Remarks Maresca's latest comments follow in the wake of he described a previous two-day spell as his "worst" since joining Chelsea. Those initial words had sparked widespread speculation of a possible disagreement between the manager and the club's key decision-makers. When pressed if he had discussed matters with the club's leadership, Maresca responded, "We are in the same building, so we speak about various topics. But about the Everton press conference, no." The Italian did confirm he would definitely remain at the club for the coming campaign and called on the fans to keep backing the team". In more positive news, Maresca indicated that injured forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return ahead of schedule, possibly in contention for a fixture against Aston Villa on 27 December. Analysis: Unresolved Tension The perceived strain between Maresca and the Chelsea board persists as an unhealed issue that still cause concern. While there has been no deepening of the situation publicly, there has equally been no apology offered, leaving the disagreement unresolved. The atmosphere during these media briefings has become notably strained, leading to concerns it could impact what has up to now been a decent start to the season. Chelsea's on-field position is positive: they are in the top four in the Premier League, have reached the Carabao Cup semi-finals, and can achieve a better European position with strong results in their remaining games. The lingering uncertainty is whether this behind-the-scenes dynamic might begin to affect a squad that was just starting to appear settled.
Enzo Maresca was once an assistant to Pep Guardiola with Manchester City. Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has branded recent talk connecting him with a return to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay. The Italian manager, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's assistant in Manchester, responded to the ongoing rumours about his future. Maresca, appointed Chelsea boss in June 2024, has a contract running through the end of the decade, with a possible extra year available. "It doesn't bother 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, Primarily, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my attention, I have stated many times, is just about this club and I'm very proud to be here. But again, it's rumour. One week ago I was connected to a role in Italy with Juventus. So I ignore it because I know that is not true." Chelsea, presently placed fourth in the Premier League, are scheduled to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a 12:30 GMT kick-off. Tensions After Previous Remarks Maresca's latest comments follow in the wake of he described a previous two-day spell as his "worst" since joining Chelsea. Those initial words had sparked widespread speculation of a possible disagreement between the manager and the club's key decision-makers. When pressed if he had discussed matters with the club's leadership, Maresca responded, "We are in the same building, so we speak about various topics. But about the Everton press conference, no." The Italian did confirm he would definitely remain at the club for the coming campaign and called on the fans to keep backing the team". In more positive news, Maresca indicated that injured forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return ahead of schedule, possibly in contention for a fixture against Aston Villa on 27 December. Analysis: Unresolved Tension The perceived strain between Maresca and the Chelsea board persists as an unhealed issue that still cause concern. While there has been no deepening of the situation publicly, there has equally been no apology offered, leaving the disagreement unresolved. The atmosphere during these media briefings has become notably strained, leading to concerns it could impact what has up to now been a decent start to the season. Chelsea's on-field position is positive: they are in the top four in the Premier League, have reached the Carabao Cup semi-finals, and can achieve a better European position with strong results in their remaining games. The lingering uncertainty is whether this behind-the-scenes dynamic might begin to affect a squad that was just starting to appear settled.