🔗 Share this article Blues Boss Maresca Rejects Man City Speculation as Pure Gossip Enzo Maresca was once an assistant to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has labelled fresh reports linking him with a return to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay. The 45-year-old, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man in Manchester, responded to the ongoing rumours surrounding his future. Maresca, named Chelsea manager in June 2024, is under contract running until 2029, with a possible extension 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 such distractions." He went on to explain, "First of all, because I have a contract here for several more years. And my focus, I have stated many times, is just about this club and I'm honoured to be here. But again, it's speculation. 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, currently sitting in fourth position in the Premier League, are set to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a 12:30 GMT fixture. Tensions Following Recent Comments Maresca's latest statement follow in the wake of he referred to a previous two-day spell as his most difficult since arriving at Chelsea. Those initial words had sparked widespread speculation of a possible rift between the manager and the club's ownership hierarchy. When pressed if he had discussed matters with the Chelsea's sporting directors, Maresca replied, "We are in the same facility, so we speak about different things. But about the Everton media session, no." The Italian however affirmed he would definitely remain at the club next season and urged the fans to keep backing the team". In brighter news, Maresca revealed that sidelined forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return ahead of schedule, potentially in contention for a match against Aston Villa on 27 December. Analysis: Unresolved Tension The perceived strain between Maresca and the Chelsea board remains as an open wound that continues to create unease. While there has been no deepening of the situation publicly, there has also been no resolution forthcoming, leaving the disagreement unresolved. The mood during the manager's media briefings has become increasingly awkward, raising concerns it could impact what has otherwise been a promising beginning to the season. Chelsea's sporting situation is positive: they are fourth in the league, have qualified for the League Cup semi-finals, and can secure a better Champions League position with good results in their remaining games. The prevailing question is whether this off-field dynamic might eventually disrupt a team that was just starting to look settled.
Enzo Maresca was once an assistant to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has labelled fresh reports linking him with a return to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay. The 45-year-old, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man in Manchester, responded to the ongoing rumours surrounding his future. Maresca, named Chelsea manager in June 2024, is under contract running until 2029, with a possible extension 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 such distractions." He went on to explain, "First of all, because I have a contract here for several more years. And my focus, I have stated many times, is just about this club and I'm honoured to be here. But again, it's speculation. 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, currently sitting in fourth position in the Premier League, are set to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a 12:30 GMT fixture. Tensions Following Recent Comments Maresca's latest statement follow in the wake of he referred to a previous two-day spell as his most difficult since arriving at Chelsea. Those initial words had sparked widespread speculation of a possible rift between the manager and the club's ownership hierarchy. When pressed if he had discussed matters with the Chelsea's sporting directors, Maresca replied, "We are in the same facility, so we speak about different things. But about the Everton media session, no." The Italian however affirmed he would definitely remain at the club next season and urged the fans to keep backing the team". In brighter news, Maresca revealed that sidelined forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return ahead of schedule, potentially in contention for a match against Aston Villa on 27 December. Analysis: Unresolved Tension The perceived strain between Maresca and the Chelsea board remains as an open wound that continues to create unease. While there has been no deepening of the situation publicly, there has also been no resolution forthcoming, leaving the disagreement unresolved. The mood during the manager's media briefings has become increasingly awkward, raising concerns it could impact what has otherwise been a promising beginning to the season. Chelsea's sporting situation is positive: they are fourth in the league, have qualified for the League Cup semi-finals, and can secure a better Champions League position with good results in their remaining games. The prevailing question is whether this off-field dynamic might eventually disrupt a team that was just starting to look settled.