🔗 Share this article Blues Boss Maresca Dismisses Man City Speculation as '100%' Rumour Enzo Maresca was once an coach to Pep Guardiola with Manchester City. Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has branded 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 right-hand man at the Etihad, responded to 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 extra year option. "It doesn't affect 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 have stated 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 a role in Italy with Juventus. So I ignore it because I know that is without foundation." Chelsea, currently sitting in fourth position in the top flight, are set to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a 12:30 GMT fixture. Strain Following Recent Remarks Maresca's most recent statement follow after he referred to a previous 48-hour period as his most difficult since arriving at Chelsea. Those original remarks had sparked considerable speculation of a possible rift between the coach and the club's ownership hierarchy. When asked if he had since spoken with the club's leadership, Maresca responded, "We are in the same building, so we speak about various topics. But about the post-Everton media session, no." The manager did confirm he would definitely remain at the club for the coming campaign and urged the fans to keep backing the team". In more positive news, Maresca indicated that sidelined forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return ahead of schedule, possibly available for a fixture against Aston Villa on 27 December. Perspective: An 'Open Wound' The apparent strain between Maresca and the Chelsea board persists as an open wound that continues to create unease. While there has been no further escalation of the situation in the open, there has also been no resolution offered, creating the matter unaddressed. The mood during these media briefings has become notably strained, leading to fears it could undermine what has otherwise been a decent beginning to the campaign. Chelsea's on-field situation is strong: they are fourth in the league, have reached the League Cup last four, and can secure a better Champions League position with good results in their remaining games. The lingering uncertainty is whether this off-field dynamic might begin to affect a team that was just starting to look cohesive.
Enzo Maresca was once an coach to Pep Guardiola with Manchester City. Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has branded 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 right-hand man at the Etihad, responded to 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 extra year option. "It doesn't affect 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 have stated 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 a role in Italy with Juventus. So I ignore it because I know that is without foundation." Chelsea, currently sitting in fourth position in the top flight, are set to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a 12:30 GMT fixture. Strain Following Recent Remarks Maresca's most recent statement follow after he referred to a previous 48-hour period as his most difficult since arriving at Chelsea. Those original remarks had sparked considerable speculation of a possible rift between the coach and the club's ownership hierarchy. When asked if he had since spoken with the club's leadership, Maresca responded, "We are in the same building, so we speak about various topics. But about the post-Everton media session, no." The manager did confirm he would definitely remain at the club for the coming campaign and urged the fans to keep backing the team". In more positive news, Maresca indicated that sidelined forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return ahead of schedule, possibly available for a fixture against Aston Villa on 27 December. Perspective: An 'Open Wound' The apparent strain between Maresca and the Chelsea board persists as an open wound that continues to create unease. While there has been no further escalation of the situation in the open, there has also been no resolution offered, creating the matter unaddressed. The mood during these media briefings has become notably strained, leading to fears it could undermine what has otherwise been a decent beginning to the campaign. Chelsea's on-field situation is strong: they are fourth in the league, have reached the League Cup last four, and can secure a better Champions League position with good results in their remaining games. The lingering uncertainty is whether this off-field dynamic might begin to affect a team that was just starting to look cohesive.