🔗 Share this article Chelsea Manager Maresca Rejects Manchester City Speculation as Pure Rumour Enzo Maresca was once an coach to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has labelled fresh talk connecting him with a move to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay. The 45-year-old, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's assistant in Manchester, addressed the ongoing speculation about his future. Maresca, named Chelsea boss in June 2024, is under contract that runs through the end of the decade, with a possible extension 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 these kind of things." He went on to explain, "First of all, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my attention, I said many times, is solely on this club and I'm honoured to be here. But again, it's rumour. One week ago I was linked with a role in Italy with Juventus. So I don't pay attention because I know that is not true." Chelsea, currently sitting fourth in the Premier League, are scheduled to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a lunchtime kick-off. Tensions After Previous Remarks Maresca's most recent statement follow after he referred to a recent two-day spell as his "worst" since joining Chelsea. Those initial remarks had fueled considerable talk of a possible rift between the manager and the club's ownership hierarchy. When pressed if he had discussed matters with the club's leadership, Maresca replied, "We are in the same facility, so we speak about various topics. But about the Everton press conference, no." The manager however affirmed he would definitely 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 return ahead of schedule, potentially in contention for a match against Aston Villa on 27 December. Analysis: Unresolved Tension The apparent strain between Maresca and the Chelsea board remains as an unhealed issue that continues to cause concern. While there has been no further escalation of the matter in the open, there has also been no apology offered, leaving the disagreement unaddressed. The mood during the manager's press conferences has become notably awkward, leading to concerns it could undermine what has otherwise been a promising beginning to the season. Chelsea's on-field situation is strong: they are fourth in the Premier League, have reached the League Cup semi-finals, and can secure a better Champions League draw with strong performances in their final matches. The lingering uncertainty is whether this off-field dynamic might begin to disrupt a team that was beginning to look cohesive.
Enzo Maresca was once an coach to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has labelled fresh talk connecting him with a move to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay. The 45-year-old, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's assistant in Manchester, addressed the ongoing speculation about his future. Maresca, named Chelsea boss in June 2024, is under contract that runs through the end of the decade, with a possible extension 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 these kind of things." He went on to explain, "First of all, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my attention, I said many times, is solely on this club and I'm honoured to be here. But again, it's rumour. One week ago I was linked with a role in Italy with Juventus. So I don't pay attention because I know that is not true." Chelsea, currently sitting fourth in the Premier League, are scheduled to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a lunchtime kick-off. Tensions After Previous Remarks Maresca's most recent statement follow after he referred to a recent two-day spell as his "worst" since joining Chelsea. Those initial remarks had fueled considerable talk of a possible rift between the manager and the club's ownership hierarchy. When pressed if he had discussed matters with the club's leadership, Maresca replied, "We are in the same facility, so we speak about various topics. But about the Everton press conference, no." The manager however affirmed he would definitely 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 return ahead of schedule, potentially in contention for a match against Aston Villa on 27 December. Analysis: Unresolved Tension The apparent strain between Maresca and the Chelsea board remains as an unhealed issue that continues to cause concern. While there has been no further escalation of the matter in the open, there has also been no apology offered, leaving the disagreement unaddressed. The mood during the manager's press conferences has become notably awkward, leading to concerns it could undermine what has otherwise been a promising beginning to the season. Chelsea's on-field situation is strong: they are fourth in the Premier League, have reached the League Cup semi-finals, and can secure a better Champions League draw with strong performances in their final matches. The lingering uncertainty is whether this off-field dynamic might begin to disrupt a team that was beginning to look cohesive.