🔗 Share this article Chelsea Boss Maresca Dismisses Man City Links as '100%' Rumour Enzo Maresca was once an coach to Pep Guardiola with Manchester City. Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has labelled fresh talk linking him with a move to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay. The Italian manager, who once served as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man at the Etihad, responded to the persistent rumours about his future. Maresca, appointed Chelsea manager in June 2024, has a contract that runs through the end of the decade, with a possible extra year option. "It doesn't bother me at all because I know that is completely unfounded," Maresca stated. "And at this moment, there is no time for these kind of things." He went on to explain, "First of all, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my focus, I said many times, is just about this club and I'm honoured to be here. But again, it's speculation. 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 in fourth position in the Premier League, are scheduled to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a 12:30 GMT fixture. Strain Following Recent Comments Maresca's most recent comments follow in the wake of he described a recent two-day spell as his most difficult since arriving at 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 since spoken with the Chelsea's leadership, Maresca replied, "We are in the same facility, so we talk about different things. But about the post-Everton press conference, no." The Italian however affirmed he would definitely remain 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 ahead of schedule, possibly in contention for a fixture against Aston Villa later this month. 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 matter in the open, there has equally been no resolution offered, leaving the disagreement unresolved. The mood during these media briefings has grown increasingly strained, leading to concerns it could undermine what has otherwise been a promising beginning to the campaign. Chelsea's on-field situation is strong: they are in the top four in the Premier League, have reached the Carabao Cup last four, and can achieve a better Champions League draw with strong results in their final matches. The lingering question is whether this behind-the-scenes situation 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 labelled fresh talk linking him with a move to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay. The Italian manager, who once served as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man at the Etihad, responded to the persistent rumours about his future. Maresca, appointed Chelsea manager in June 2024, has a contract that runs through the end of the decade, with a possible extra year option. "It doesn't bother me at all because I know that is completely unfounded," Maresca stated. "And at this moment, there is no time for these kind of things." He went on to explain, "First of all, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my focus, I said many times, is just about this club and I'm honoured to be here. But again, it's speculation. 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 in fourth position in the Premier League, are scheduled to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a 12:30 GMT fixture. Strain Following Recent Comments Maresca's most recent comments follow in the wake of he described a recent two-day spell as his most difficult since arriving at 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 since spoken with the Chelsea's leadership, Maresca replied, "We are in the same facility, so we talk about different things. But about the post-Everton press conference, no." The Italian however affirmed he would definitely remain 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 ahead of schedule, possibly in contention for a fixture against Aston Villa later this month. 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 matter in the open, there has equally been no resolution offered, leaving the disagreement unresolved. The mood during these media briefings has grown increasingly strained, leading to concerns it could undermine what has otherwise been a promising beginning to the campaign. Chelsea's on-field situation is strong: they are in the top four in the Premier League, have reached the Carabao Cup last four, and can achieve a better Champions League draw with strong results in their final matches. The lingering question is whether this behind-the-scenes situation might begin to affect a team that was just starting to look cohesive.