🔗 Share this article Blues Boss Maresca Dismisses Manchester City Links as Pure Gossip Enzo Maresca previously worked as an assistant to Pep Guardiola with Manchester City. Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has branded recent reports connecting him with a return to Manchester City as "100% speculation". The Italian manager, who once served as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man at the Etihad, responded to the persistent rumours about his next move. Maresca, named Chelsea manager in the summer of 2024, has a contract running through the end of the decade, with a potential 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 no time for such distractions." 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 connected to Juventus in Italy. So I ignore it because I know that is without foundation." Chelsea, presently placed fourth in the top flight, are set to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a 12:30 GMT kick-off. Tensions After Recent Remarks Maresca's latest statement follow in the wake of he described a recent 48-hour period as his "worst" since arriving at Chelsea. Those initial remarks had fueled considerable talk of a possible disagreement between the coach and the club's ownership hierarchy. When pressed if he had since spoken with the club's leadership, Maresca replied, "We are in the same building, so we talk about various topics. But about the post-Everton press conference, no." The manager however affirmed he would definitely stay at the club next season and urged the fans to "continue to support the team". In brighter news, Maresca revealed that injured forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back sooner than expected, possibly in contention for a match against Aston Villa later this month. Analysis: An 'Open Wound' The apparent disconnect between Maresca and the club's hierarchy persists as an unhealed issue that continues to cause concern. While there has been no deepening of the matter in the open, there has also been no apology forthcoming, creating the matter unaddressed. The atmosphere during the manager's press conferences has grown notably strained, raising fears it could impact what has up to now been a promising start to the campaign. Chelsea's on-field position is positive: they are in the top four in the Premier League, have qualified for the League Cup last four, and can secure a better Champions League position with strong performances in their remaining games. The lingering question is whether this behind-the-scenes dynamic might eventually affect a squad that was just starting to look cohesive.
Enzo Maresca previously worked as an assistant to Pep Guardiola with Manchester City. Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has branded recent reports connecting him with a return to Manchester City as "100% speculation". The Italian manager, who once served as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man at the Etihad, responded to the persistent rumours about his next move. Maresca, named Chelsea manager in the summer of 2024, has a contract running through the end of the decade, with a potential 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 no time for such distractions." 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 connected to Juventus in Italy. So I ignore it because I know that is without foundation." Chelsea, presently placed fourth in the top flight, are set to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a 12:30 GMT kick-off. Tensions After Recent Remarks Maresca's latest statement follow in the wake of he described a recent 48-hour period as his "worst" since arriving at Chelsea. Those initial remarks had fueled considerable talk of a possible disagreement between the coach and the club's ownership hierarchy. When pressed if he had since spoken with the club's leadership, Maresca replied, "We are in the same building, so we talk about various topics. But about the post-Everton press conference, no." The manager however affirmed he would definitely stay at the club next season and urged the fans to "continue to support the team". In brighter news, Maresca revealed that injured forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back sooner than expected, possibly in contention for a match against Aston Villa later this month. Analysis: An 'Open Wound' The apparent disconnect between Maresca and the club's hierarchy persists as an unhealed issue that continues to cause concern. While there has been no deepening of the matter in the open, there has also been no apology forthcoming, creating the matter unaddressed. The atmosphere during the manager's press conferences has grown notably strained, raising fears it could impact what has up to now been a promising start to the campaign. Chelsea's on-field position is positive: they are in the top four in the Premier League, have qualified for the League Cup last four, and can secure a better Champions League position with strong performances in their remaining games. The lingering question is whether this behind-the-scenes dynamic might eventually affect a squad that was just starting to look cohesive.