🔗 Share this article Blues Manager Maresca Dismisses Man City Links as '100%' Gossip Enzo Maresca was once an assistant to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has labelled recent talk linking him with a move to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay. The Italian manager, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's assistant at the Etihad, addressed the ongoing rumours surrounding his next move. Maresca, appointed Chelsea manager in the summer of 2024, is under contract running through the end of the decade, with a potential extension option. "It doesn't bother me at all because I know that is completely unfounded," Maresca stated. "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 for several more years. And my attention, 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 Juventus in Italy. So I ignore it because I know that is not true." Chelsea, currently sitting in fourth position in the Premier League, are scheduled to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a 12:30 GMT kick-off. Strain After Previous Remarks Maresca's most recent statement follow after he referred to a recent 48-hour period as his "worst" since arriving at Chelsea. Those initial remarks had fueled widespread talk of a potential rift between the manager and the club's ownership hierarchy. When pressed if he had discussed matters with the club's sporting directors, Maresca replied, "We are in the same facility, so we talk about various topics. But about the Everton press conference, no." The Italian did confirm he would "absolutely" remain at the club next season and urged supporters to "continue to support the team". In brighter news, Maresca indicated that sidelined attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return ahead of schedule, potentially in contention for a fixture against Aston Villa on 27 December. Perspective: Unresolved Tension The apparent disconnect between Maresca and the Chelsea board persists as an unhealed issue that continues to create unease. While there has been no further escalation of the matter publicly, there has also been no resolution forthcoming, creating the disagreement unaddressed. The atmosphere during the manager's media briefings has become increasingly strained, raising concerns it could impact what has up to now been a decent start to the season. Chelsea's sporting situation is strong: they are in the top four in the league, have reached the Carabao Cup last four, and can achieve a better Champions League position with good performances in their final games. The lingering uncertainty is whether this off-field dynamic might eventually disrupt a squad that was beginning to appear cohesive.
Enzo Maresca was once an assistant to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has labelled recent talk linking him with a move to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay. The Italian manager, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's assistant at the Etihad, addressed the ongoing rumours surrounding his next move. Maresca, appointed Chelsea manager in the summer of 2024, is under contract running through the end of the decade, with a potential extension option. "It doesn't bother me at all because I know that is completely unfounded," Maresca stated. "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 for several more years. And my attention, 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 Juventus in Italy. So I ignore it because I know that is not true." Chelsea, currently sitting in fourth position in the Premier League, are scheduled to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a 12:30 GMT kick-off. Strain After Previous Remarks Maresca's most recent statement follow after he referred to a recent 48-hour period as his "worst" since arriving at Chelsea. Those initial remarks had fueled widespread talk of a potential rift between the manager and the club's ownership hierarchy. When pressed if he had discussed matters with the club's sporting directors, Maresca replied, "We are in the same facility, so we talk about various topics. But about the Everton press conference, no." The Italian did confirm he would "absolutely" remain at the club next season and urged supporters to "continue to support the team". In brighter news, Maresca indicated that sidelined attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return ahead of schedule, potentially in contention for a fixture against Aston Villa on 27 December. Perspective: Unresolved Tension The apparent disconnect between Maresca and the Chelsea board persists as an unhealed issue that continues to create unease. While there has been no further escalation of the matter publicly, there has also been no resolution forthcoming, creating the disagreement unaddressed. The atmosphere during the manager's media briefings has become increasingly strained, raising concerns it could impact what has up to now been a decent start to the season. Chelsea's sporting situation is strong: they are in the top four in the league, have reached the Carabao Cup last four, and can achieve a better Champions League position with good performances in their final games. The lingering uncertainty is whether this off-field dynamic might eventually disrupt a squad that was beginning to appear cohesive.