🔗 Share this article Chelsea Boss Maresca Rejects Manchester City Links as '100%' Rumour Enzo Maresca was once an coach to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has labelled 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 assistant at the Etihad, responded to the persistent rumours about his next move. Maresca, named Chelsea boss in the summer of 2024, has a contract running until 2029, with a possible extra year option. "It doesn't affect 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 honoured to be here. But again, it's rumour. One week ago I was linked with Juventus in Italy. So I ignore it because I know that is not true." Chelsea, currently sitting fourth in the Premier League, are scheduled to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a lunchtime fixture. Tensions Following Previous Remarks Maresca's latest statement follow in the wake of he described a previous 48-hour period as his "worst" since arriving at Chelsea. Those initial words had sparked widespread talk of a potential disagreement between the coach and the club's ownership hierarchy. When pressed if he had since spoken with the Chelsea's sporting directors, Maresca replied, "We are in the same building, so we talk about various topics. But about the Everton media session, no." The manager did confirm he would definitely remain at the club for the coming campaign and urged the fans to "continue to support the team". In brighter news, Maresca indicated that sidelined forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back sooner than expected, potentially in contention for a fixture against Aston Villa later this month. Analysis: An 'Open Wound' The apparent disconnect between Maresca and the club's hierarchy remains as an open wound that continues to create unease. While there has been no deepening of the matter in the open, there has also been no resolution forthcoming, leaving the disagreement unresolved. The atmosphere during the manager's media briefings has become increasingly strained, leading to fears it could impact what has otherwise been a decent beginning to the campaign. Chelsea's sporting situation is positive: they are fourth in the Premier League, have qualified for the Carabao Cup semi-finals, and can secure a favourable European position with good results in their remaining games. The lingering uncertainty is whether this off-field situation might eventually disrupt a squad that was just starting to appear cohesive.
Enzo Maresca was once an coach to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has labelled 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 assistant at the Etihad, responded to the persistent rumours about his next move. Maresca, named Chelsea boss in the summer of 2024, has a contract running until 2029, with a possible extra year option. "It doesn't affect 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 honoured to be here. But again, it's rumour. One week ago I was linked with Juventus in Italy. So I ignore it because I know that is not true." Chelsea, currently sitting fourth in the Premier League, are scheduled to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a lunchtime fixture. Tensions Following Previous Remarks Maresca's latest statement follow in the wake of he described a previous 48-hour period as his "worst" since arriving at Chelsea. Those initial words had sparked widespread talk of a potential disagreement between the coach and the club's ownership hierarchy. When pressed if he had since spoken with the Chelsea's sporting directors, Maresca replied, "We are in the same building, so we talk about various topics. But about the Everton media session, no." The manager did confirm he would definitely remain at the club for the coming campaign and urged the fans to "continue to support the team". In brighter news, Maresca indicated that sidelined forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back sooner than expected, potentially in contention for a fixture against Aston Villa later this month. Analysis: An 'Open Wound' The apparent disconnect between Maresca and the club's hierarchy remains as an open wound that continues to create unease. While there has been no deepening of the matter in the open, there has also been no resolution forthcoming, leaving the disagreement unresolved. The atmosphere during the manager's media briefings has become increasingly strained, leading to fears it could impact what has otherwise been a decent beginning to the campaign. Chelsea's sporting situation is positive: they are fourth in the Premier League, have qualified for the Carabao Cup semi-finals, and can secure a favourable European position with good results in their remaining games. The lingering uncertainty is whether this off-field situation might eventually disrupt a squad that was just starting to appear cohesive.