🔗 Share this article Chelsea Boss Maresca Dismisses Man City Links as Pure Gossip Enzo Maresca was once an assistant to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has labelled fresh reports connecting him with a return to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay. The Italian manager, who once served as Pep Guardiola's assistant in Manchester, responded to the persistent speculation about his future. Maresca, named Chelsea boss in the summer of 2024, has a contract that runs 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 stated. "And at this moment, there is no time for such distractions." He went on to explain, Primarily, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my focus, I said 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 connected to Juventus in Italy. So I don't pay attention because I know that is not true." Chelsea, currently sitting in fourth position in the Premier League, are scheduled to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a lunchtime fixture. Strain Following Previous Remarks Maresca's latest comments follow after he described a previous two-day spell as his "worst" since joining Chelsea. Those original words had fueled widespread talk of a potential rift between the coach and the club's key decision-makers. When asked 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 post-Everton press conference, no." The manager did confirm he would "absolutely" remain at the club next season and urged supporters to "continue to support the team". In brighter news, Maresca revealed that injured attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return sooner than expected, possibly in contention for a match against Aston Villa on 27 December. Analysis: An 'Open Wound' The perceived disconnect between Maresca and the Chelsea board remains as an open wound that still create unease. While there has been no deepening of the situation publicly, there has also been no resolution offered, leaving the matter unaddressed. The atmosphere during the manager's media briefings has become increasingly awkward, leading to concerns it could undermine what has up to now been a promising start to the campaign. Chelsea's sporting situation is strong: they are in the top four in the Premier League, have qualified for the League Cup last four, and can secure a better European position with strong results in their remaining games. The prevailing uncertainty is whether this behind-the-scenes dynamic might eventually disrupt a team that was beginning to look settled.
Enzo Maresca was once an assistant to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has labelled fresh reports connecting him with a return to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay. The Italian manager, who once served as Pep Guardiola's assistant in Manchester, responded to the persistent speculation about his future. Maresca, named Chelsea boss in the summer of 2024, has a contract that runs 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 stated. "And at this moment, there is no time for such distractions." He went on to explain, Primarily, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my focus, I said 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 connected to Juventus in Italy. So I don't pay attention because I know that is not true." Chelsea, currently sitting in fourth position in the Premier League, are scheduled to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a lunchtime fixture. Strain Following Previous Remarks Maresca's latest comments follow after he described a previous two-day spell as his "worst" since joining Chelsea. Those original words had fueled widespread talk of a potential rift between the coach and the club's key decision-makers. When asked 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 post-Everton press conference, no." The manager did confirm he would "absolutely" remain at the club next season and urged supporters to "continue to support the team". In brighter news, Maresca revealed that injured attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return sooner than expected, possibly in contention for a match against Aston Villa on 27 December. Analysis: An 'Open Wound' The perceived disconnect between Maresca and the Chelsea board remains as an open wound that still create unease. While there has been no deepening of the situation publicly, there has also been no resolution offered, leaving the matter unaddressed. The atmosphere during the manager's media briefings has become increasingly awkward, leading to concerns it could undermine what has up to now been a promising start to the campaign. Chelsea's sporting situation is strong: they are in the top four in the Premier League, have qualified for the League Cup last four, and can secure a better European position with strong results in their remaining games. The prevailing uncertainty is whether this behind-the-scenes dynamic might eventually disrupt a team that was beginning to look settled.