🔗 Share this article Blues Manager Maresca Rejects Manchester City Links as Pure Rumour Enzo Maresca was once an coach to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has labelled recent talk connecting 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 at the Etihad, addressed the ongoing rumours surrounding his future. Maresca, appointed Chelsea manager in June 2024, is under contract that runs until 2029, with a possible extra year option. "It doesn't bother me at all because I know that is completely unfounded," Maresca said. "And at this moment, there is little room 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 said many times, is just about 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 scheduled to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a 12:30 GMT fixture. Tensions Following Recent Comments Maresca's most recent comments follow after he referred to a recent 48-hour period as his most difficult since arriving at Chelsea. Those original words had fueled considerable talk of a potential disagreement between the manager and the club's key decision-makers. When pressed if he had since spoken with the Chelsea's leadership, Maresca responded, "We are in the same facility, so we talk about various topics. But about the post-Everton media session, no." The Italian however affirmed he would "absolutely" stay at the club next season and urged supporters to "continue to support the team". In more positive news, Maresca revealed that sidelined forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back sooner than expected, potentially available for a fixture against Aston Villa later this month. Perspective: An 'Open Wound' The apparent disconnect between Maresca and the club's hierarchy remains as an unhealed issue that continues to cause concern. While there has been no deepening of the situation in the open, there has equally been no resolution forthcoming, creating the matter unresolved. The mood during the manager's press conferences has grown notably strained, raising concerns it could impact what has up to now been a promising start to the season. Chelsea's sporting position is strong: they are in the top four in the league, have qualified for the League Cup last four, and can achieve a favourable Champions League draw with strong performances in their final games. The lingering uncertainty is whether this off-field situation might begin to affect a squad that was just starting to appear cohesive.
Enzo Maresca was once an coach to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has labelled recent talk connecting 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 at the Etihad, addressed the ongoing rumours surrounding his future. Maresca, appointed Chelsea manager in June 2024, is under contract that runs until 2029, with a possible extra year option. "It doesn't bother me at all because I know that is completely unfounded," Maresca said. "And at this moment, there is little room 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 said many times, is just about 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 scheduled to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a 12:30 GMT fixture. Tensions Following Recent Comments Maresca's most recent comments follow after he referred to a recent 48-hour period as his most difficult since arriving at Chelsea. Those original words had fueled considerable talk of a potential disagreement between the manager and the club's key decision-makers. When pressed if he had since spoken with the Chelsea's leadership, Maresca responded, "We are in the same facility, so we talk about various topics. But about the post-Everton media session, no." The Italian however affirmed he would "absolutely" stay at the club next season and urged supporters to "continue to support the team". In more positive news, Maresca revealed that sidelined forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back sooner than expected, potentially available for a fixture against Aston Villa later this month. Perspective: An 'Open Wound' The apparent disconnect between Maresca and the club's hierarchy remains as an unhealed issue that continues to cause concern. While there has been no deepening of the situation in the open, there has equally been no resolution forthcoming, creating the matter unresolved. The mood during the manager's press conferences has grown notably strained, raising concerns it could impact what has up to now been a promising start to the season. Chelsea's sporting position is strong: they are in the top four in the league, have qualified for the League Cup last four, and can achieve a favourable Champions League draw with strong performances in their final games. The lingering uncertainty is whether this off-field situation might begin to affect a squad that was just starting to appear cohesive.