🔗 Share this article Chelsea Manager Maresca Rejects Man City Links as '100%' Rumour Enzo Maresca was once an coach to Pep Guardiola with Manchester City. Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has branded recent 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 at the Etihad, responded to the ongoing rumours surrounding his future. Maresca, appointed Chelsea manager in June 2024, is under contract that runs through the end of the decade, with a potential extra year available. "It doesn't bother me at all because I know that is 100% speculation," 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 have stated many times, is solely on this club and I'm very proud to be here. But again, it's speculation. One week ago I was linked with Juventus in Italy. So I ignore it 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 After Previous Remarks Maresca's latest comments follow in the wake of he referred to a previous two-day spell as his "worst" since arriving at Chelsea. Those initial words had sparked considerable talk of a possible disagreement between the manager and the club's key decision-makers. When pressed if he had since spoken with the Chelsea's leadership, Maresca replied, "We are in the same facility, so we talk about various topics. But about the post-Everton press conference, no." The Italian however affirmed he would "absolutely" stay at the club for the coming campaign and called on supporters to keep backing the team". In more positive news, Maresca indicated that injured attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back ahead of schedule, possibly in contention for a fixture against Aston Villa on 27 December. Perspective: An 'Open Wound' The perceived strain between Maresca and the club's hierarchy persists as an open wound that still create unease. While there has been no deepening of the situation publicly, there has equally been no resolution forthcoming, leaving the disagreement unaddressed. The atmosphere during the manager's media briefings has become increasingly awkward, leading to concerns it could impact what has up to now been a promising start to the campaign. Chelsea's sporting position is strong: they are fourth in the Premier League, have reached the Carabao Cup last four, and can secure a better Champions League draw with good performances in their final games. The prevailing uncertainty is whether this behind-the-scenes situation might eventually disrupt a squad that was beginning to look cohesive.
Enzo Maresca was once an coach to Pep Guardiola with Manchester City. Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has branded recent 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 at the Etihad, responded to the ongoing rumours surrounding his future. Maresca, appointed Chelsea manager in June 2024, is under contract that runs through the end of the decade, with a potential extra year available. "It doesn't bother me at all because I know that is 100% speculation," 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 have stated many times, is solely on this club and I'm very proud to be here. But again, it's speculation. One week ago I was linked with Juventus in Italy. So I ignore it 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 After Previous Remarks Maresca's latest comments follow in the wake of he referred to a previous two-day spell as his "worst" since arriving at Chelsea. Those initial words had sparked considerable talk of a possible disagreement between the manager and the club's key decision-makers. When pressed if he had since spoken with the Chelsea's leadership, Maresca replied, "We are in the same facility, so we talk about various topics. But about the post-Everton press conference, no." The Italian however affirmed he would "absolutely" stay at the club for the coming campaign and called on supporters to keep backing the team". In more positive news, Maresca indicated that injured attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back ahead of schedule, possibly in contention for a fixture against Aston Villa on 27 December. Perspective: An 'Open Wound' The perceived strain between Maresca and the club's hierarchy persists as an open wound that still create unease. While there has been no deepening of the situation publicly, there has equally been no resolution forthcoming, leaving the disagreement unaddressed. The atmosphere during the manager's media briefings has become increasingly awkward, leading to concerns it could impact what has up to now been a promising start to the campaign. Chelsea's sporting position is strong: they are fourth in the Premier League, have reached the Carabao Cup last four, and can secure a better Champions League draw with good performances in their final games. The prevailing uncertainty is whether this behind-the-scenes situation might eventually disrupt a squad that was beginning to look cohesive.