🔗 Share this article Chelsea Manager Maresca Dismisses Manchester City Speculation as Pure Gossip Enzo Maresca was once an assistant to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has branded fresh 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, responded to the persistent speculation about his next move. Maresca, appointed Chelsea boss in June 2024, is under 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 said. "And at this moment, there is no time for such distractions." He went on to explain, Primarily, because I have a contract here for several more years. And my focus, I said many times, is solely on this club and I'm very proud to be here. But again, it's rumour. One week ago I was connected to a role in Italy with Juventus. So I don't pay attention because I know that is without foundation." Chelsea, presently placed in fourth position in the top flight, are set to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a lunchtime fixture. Strain Following Recent Remarks Maresca's most recent comments follow in the wake of he described a recent 48-hour period as his "worst" since joining Chelsea. Those initial words had sparked considerable talk of a potential rift between the coach and the club's ownership hierarchy. When asked if he had since spoken with the club's leadership, Maresca replied, "We are in the same building, so we talk about different things. But about the post-Everton media session, no." The manager did confirm he would "absolutely" stay at the club next season and urged the fans to keep backing the team". In brighter news, Maresca indicated that sidelined forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back ahead of schedule, possibly available for a match against Aston Villa later this month. Perspective: An 'Open Wound' The perceived strain between Maresca and the Chelsea board remains as an open wound 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 unresolved. The mood during the manager's press conferences has grown increasingly strained, leading to concerns it could impact what has otherwise been a promising beginning to the season. Chelsea's on-field situation is positive: they are fourth in the Premier League, have reached the Carabao Cup last four, and can secure a better Champions League position with good results in their final matches. The prevailing uncertainty is whether this off-field dynamic might begin to disrupt a team that was beginning to appear settled.
Enzo Maresca was once an assistant to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has branded fresh 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, responded to the persistent speculation about his next move. Maresca, appointed Chelsea boss in June 2024, is under 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 said. "And at this moment, there is no time for such distractions." He went on to explain, Primarily, because I have a contract here for several more years. And my focus, I said many times, is solely on this club and I'm very proud to be here. But again, it's rumour. One week ago I was connected to a role in Italy with Juventus. So I don't pay attention because I know that is without foundation." Chelsea, presently placed in fourth position in the top flight, are set to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a lunchtime fixture. Strain Following Recent Remarks Maresca's most recent comments follow in the wake of he described a recent 48-hour period as his "worst" since joining Chelsea. Those initial words had sparked considerable talk of a potential rift between the coach and the club's ownership hierarchy. When asked if he had since spoken with the club's leadership, Maresca replied, "We are in the same building, so we talk about different things. But about the post-Everton media session, no." The manager did confirm he would "absolutely" stay at the club next season and urged the fans to keep backing the team". In brighter news, Maresca indicated that sidelined forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back ahead of schedule, possibly available for a match against Aston Villa later this month. Perspective: An 'Open Wound' The perceived strain between Maresca and the Chelsea board remains as an open wound 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 unresolved. The mood during the manager's press conferences has grown increasingly strained, leading to concerns it could impact what has otherwise been a promising beginning to the season. Chelsea's on-field situation is positive: they are fourth in the Premier League, have reached the Carabao Cup last four, and can secure a better Champions League position with good results in their final matches. The prevailing uncertainty is whether this off-field dynamic might begin to disrupt a team that was beginning to appear settled.