🔗 Share this article Chelsea Boss Maresca Dismisses Man City Speculation as Pure Gossip Enzo Maresca was once an assistant to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has labelled fresh talk connecting him with a return to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay. The 45-year-old, who once served as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man at the Etihad, responded to the ongoing rumours surrounding his next move. Maresca, named Chelsea manager in the summer of 2024, has a contract running through the end of the decade, with a possible extension available. "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, Primarily, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my focus, 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 linked with Juventus in Italy. So I don't pay attention because I know that is without foundation." Chelsea, currently sitting fourth in the top flight, are scheduled to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a lunchtime fixture. Tensions Following Previous Remarks Maresca's latest statement come in the wake of he referred to a previous 48-hour period as his most difficult since arriving at Chelsea. Those original remarks had sparked considerable talk of a potential rift between the coach and the club's key decision-makers. When pressed if he had since spoken with the Chelsea's sporting directors, Maresca responded, "We are in the same facility, so we talk about different things. But about the Everton press conference, no." The Italian did confirm he would "absolutely" stay at the club next season and urged supporters to "continue to support the team". In brighter news, Maresca indicated that injured forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return sooner than expected, possibly in contention for a fixture against Aston Villa later this month. Perspective: Unresolved Tension The apparent disconnect between Maresca and the Chelsea board remains as an unhealed issue that still create unease. While there has been no further escalation of the situation in the open, there has equally been no resolution forthcoming, leaving the disagreement unresolved. The atmosphere during these press conferences has grown increasingly awkward, leading to fears it could impact what has up to now been a decent beginning to the season. Chelsea's sporting situation is positive: they are in the top four in the Premier League, have qualified for the Carabao Cup semi-finals, and can achieve a better European position with strong performances in their final games. The prevailing question is whether this behind-the-scenes situation might begin to affect a team that was just starting to appear settled.
Enzo Maresca was once an assistant to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has labelled fresh talk connecting him with a return to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay. The 45-year-old, who once served as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man at the Etihad, responded to the ongoing rumours surrounding his next move. Maresca, named Chelsea manager in the summer of 2024, has a contract running through the end of the decade, with a possible extension available. "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, Primarily, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my focus, 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 linked with Juventus in Italy. So I don't pay attention because I know that is without foundation." Chelsea, currently sitting fourth in the top flight, are scheduled to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a lunchtime fixture. Tensions Following Previous Remarks Maresca's latest statement come in the wake of he referred to a previous 48-hour period as his most difficult since arriving at Chelsea. Those original remarks had sparked considerable talk of a potential rift between the coach and the club's key decision-makers. When pressed if he had since spoken with the Chelsea's sporting directors, Maresca responded, "We are in the same facility, so we talk about different things. But about the Everton press conference, no." The Italian did confirm he would "absolutely" stay at the club next season and urged supporters to "continue to support the team". In brighter news, Maresca indicated that injured forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return sooner than expected, possibly in contention for a fixture against Aston Villa later this month. Perspective: Unresolved Tension The apparent disconnect between Maresca and the Chelsea board remains as an unhealed issue that still create unease. While there has been no further escalation of the situation in the open, there has equally been no resolution forthcoming, leaving the disagreement unresolved. The atmosphere during these press conferences has grown increasingly awkward, leading to fears it could impact what has up to now been a decent beginning to the season. Chelsea's sporting situation is positive: they are in the top four in the Premier League, have qualified for the Carabao Cup semi-finals, and can achieve a better European position with strong performances in their final games. The prevailing question is whether this behind-the-scenes situation might begin to affect a team that was just starting to appear settled.