🔗 Share this article Blues Manager Maresca Rejects Man City Links as '100%' Rumour Enzo Maresca previously worked as an coach to Pep Guardiola with Manchester City. Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has labelled recent reports connecting him with a move to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay. The Italian manager, who once served as Pep Guardiola's assistant in Manchester, responded to the persistent rumours surrounding his next move. Maresca, named Chelsea boss in the summer of 2024, is under contract running through the end of the decade, with a possible extension option. "It doesn't affect me at all because I know that is completely unfounded," Maresca said. "And at this moment, there is no time for these kind of things." He further elaborated, Primarily, because I have a contract here for several more years. And my attention, 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 ignore it because I know that is without foundation." Chelsea, currently sitting fourth in the top flight, are scheduled to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a 12:30 GMT kick-off. Tensions Following Recent Remarks Maresca's latest comments follow in the wake of he described a previous 48-hour period as his most difficult since arriving at Chelsea. Those initial words had fueled considerable talk of a potential rift between the coach and the club's ownership hierarchy. When pressed if he had since spoken with the club's sporting directors, Maresca responded, "We are in the same building, so we talk about different things. But about the post-Everton media session, no." The Italian however affirmed he would "absolutely" remain at the club next season and urged the fans to keep backing the team". In more positive news, Maresca indicated that injured forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back sooner than expected, potentially available for a match against Aston Villa on 27 December. Perspective: An 'Open Wound' The perceived strain between Maresca and the Chelsea board persists as an unhealed issue that still create unease. While there has been no further escalation of the situation in the open, there has equally been no apology forthcoming, creating the disagreement unaddressed. The mood during these press conferences has become increasingly strained, raising fears it could undermine what has up to now been a promising start to the season. Chelsea's on-field situation is positive: 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 prevailing uncertainty is whether this off-field dynamic might eventually disrupt a team that was just starting to look cohesive.
Enzo Maresca previously worked as an coach to Pep Guardiola with Manchester City. Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has labelled recent reports connecting him with a move to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay. The Italian manager, who once served as Pep Guardiola's assistant in Manchester, responded to the persistent rumours surrounding his next move. Maresca, named Chelsea boss in the summer of 2024, is under contract running through the end of the decade, with a possible extension option. "It doesn't affect me at all because I know that is completely unfounded," Maresca said. "And at this moment, there is no time for these kind of things." He further elaborated, Primarily, because I have a contract here for several more years. And my attention, 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 ignore it because I know that is without foundation." Chelsea, currently sitting fourth in the top flight, are scheduled to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a 12:30 GMT kick-off. Tensions Following Recent Remarks Maresca's latest comments follow in the wake of he described a previous 48-hour period as his most difficult since arriving at Chelsea. Those initial words had fueled considerable talk of a potential rift between the coach and the club's ownership hierarchy. When pressed if he had since spoken with the club's sporting directors, Maresca responded, "We are in the same building, so we talk about different things. But about the post-Everton media session, no." The Italian however affirmed he would "absolutely" remain at the club next season and urged the fans to keep backing the team". In more positive news, Maresca indicated that injured forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back sooner than expected, potentially available for a match against Aston Villa on 27 December. Perspective: An 'Open Wound' The perceived strain between Maresca and the Chelsea board persists as an unhealed issue that still create unease. While there has been no further escalation of the situation in the open, there has equally been no apology forthcoming, creating the disagreement unaddressed. The mood during these press conferences has become increasingly strained, raising fears it could undermine what has up to now been a promising start to the season. Chelsea's on-field situation is positive: 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 prevailing uncertainty is whether this off-field dynamic might eventually disrupt a team that was just starting to look cohesive.