🔗 Share this article Blues Boss Maresca Rejects Manchester City Links as '100%' Gossip Enzo Maresca previously worked as an assistant to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has labelled recent reports linking him with a move to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay. The 45-year-old, who once served as Pep Guardiola's assistant in Manchester, addressed the persistent rumours surrounding his future. Maresca, appointed Chelsea boss in the summer of 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 completely unfounded," Maresca stated. "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 said many times, is just about this club and I'm honoured to be here. But again, it's rumour. One week ago I was connected to Juventus in Italy. So I don't pay attention because I know that is not true." Chelsea, presently placed fourth in the top flight, are set to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a lunchtime fixture. Tensions Following Recent Comments Maresca's most recent comments follow in the wake of he described a recent two-day spell as his "worst" since arriving at Chelsea. Those original words had fueled considerable talk of a potential rift between the manager and the club's ownership hierarchy. When asked if he had since spoken with the club's leadership, Maresca responded, "We are in the same facility, so we speak about various topics. But about the Everton media session, no." The Italian did confirm he would definitely remain at the club next season and called on the fans to "continue to support the team". In brighter news, Maresca revealed that injured attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back sooner than expected, potentially in contention for a fixture against Aston Villa on 27 December. Analysis: Unresolved Tension The perceived strain between Maresca and the club's hierarchy persists as an open wound that continues to cause concern. While there has been no deepening of the matter in the open, there has equally been no resolution offered, creating the matter unresolved. The atmosphere during the manager's media briefings has grown notably awkward, leading to concerns it could impact what has otherwise been a decent beginning to the campaign. Chelsea's sporting position is positive: they are in the top four in the Premier League, have qualified for the Carabao Cup semi-finals, and can achieve a favourable Champions League position with good performances in their remaining games. The prevailing uncertainty 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 assistant to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has labelled recent reports linking him with a move to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay. The 45-year-old, who once served as Pep Guardiola's assistant in Manchester, addressed the persistent rumours surrounding his future. Maresca, appointed Chelsea boss in the summer of 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 completely unfounded," Maresca stated. "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 said many times, is just about this club and I'm honoured to be here. But again, it's rumour. One week ago I was connected to Juventus in Italy. So I don't pay attention because I know that is not true." Chelsea, presently placed fourth in the top flight, are set to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a lunchtime fixture. Tensions Following Recent Comments Maresca's most recent comments follow in the wake of he described a recent two-day spell as his "worst" since arriving at Chelsea. Those original words had fueled considerable talk of a potential rift between the manager and the club's ownership hierarchy. When asked if he had since spoken with the club's leadership, Maresca responded, "We are in the same facility, so we speak about various topics. But about the Everton media session, no." The Italian did confirm he would definitely remain at the club next season and called on the fans to "continue to support the team". In brighter news, Maresca revealed that injured attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back sooner than expected, potentially in contention for a fixture against Aston Villa on 27 December. Analysis: Unresolved Tension The perceived strain between Maresca and the club's hierarchy persists as an open wound that continues to cause concern. While there has been no deepening of the matter in the open, there has equally been no resolution offered, creating the matter unresolved. The atmosphere during the manager's media briefings has grown notably awkward, leading to concerns it could impact what has otherwise been a decent beginning to the campaign. Chelsea's sporting position is positive: they are in the top four in the Premier League, have qualified for the Carabao Cup semi-finals, and can achieve a favourable Champions League position with good performances in their remaining games. The prevailing uncertainty is whether this behind-the-scenes situation might eventually affect a team that was just starting to look settled.