🔗 Share this article Blues Manager Maresca Dismisses Man City Links as Pure Gossip Enzo Maresca was once an coach to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has branded fresh talk connecting him with a move to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay. The Italian manager, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's assistant in Manchester, addressed the persistent speculation surrounding his future. Maresca, appointed Chelsea boss in June 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 100% speculation," Maresca stated. "And at this moment, there is little room for such distractions." He further elaborated, "First of all, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my focus, I have stated many times, is solely on this club and I'm honoured 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 without foundation." Chelsea, currently sitting fourth in the Premier League, are set to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a lunchtime kick-off. Tensions After Recent Comments Maresca's most recent statement follow after he described a recent 48-hour period as his "worst" since joining Chelsea. Those initial words had sparked widespread talk of a potential disagreement 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 media session, no." The Italian however affirmed he would definitely stay at the club for the coming campaign and urged supporters to "continue to support the team". In brighter news, Maresca revealed that injured attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return ahead of schedule, potentially available for a match against Aston Villa on 27 December. Analysis: Unresolved Tension The perceived strain between Maresca and the club's hierarchy remains as an unhealed issue that continues to create unease. While there has been no further escalation of the situation in the open, there has also been no apology offered, leaving the matter unresolved. The atmosphere during these media briefings has become increasingly awkward, raising concerns it could impact what has up to now been a decent beginning to the campaign. Chelsea's on-field situation is strong: they are in the top four in the league, have qualified for the Carabao Cup last four, and can achieve a favourable European draw with good results in their final matches. The lingering uncertainty is whether this behind-the-scenes situation might begin to disrupt a squad that was beginning to appear settled.
Enzo Maresca was once an coach to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has branded fresh talk connecting him with a move to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay. The Italian manager, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's assistant in Manchester, addressed the persistent speculation surrounding his future. Maresca, appointed Chelsea boss in June 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 100% speculation," Maresca stated. "And at this moment, there is little room for such distractions." He further elaborated, "First of all, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my focus, I have stated many times, is solely on this club and I'm honoured 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 without foundation." Chelsea, currently sitting fourth in the Premier League, are set to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a lunchtime kick-off. Tensions After Recent Comments Maresca's most recent statement follow after he described a recent 48-hour period as his "worst" since joining Chelsea. Those initial words had sparked widespread talk of a potential disagreement 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 media session, no." The Italian however affirmed he would definitely stay at the club for the coming campaign and urged supporters to "continue to support the team". In brighter news, Maresca revealed that injured attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return ahead of schedule, potentially available for a match against Aston Villa on 27 December. Analysis: Unresolved Tension The perceived strain between Maresca and the club's hierarchy remains as an unhealed issue that continues to create unease. While there has been no further escalation of the situation in the open, there has also been no apology offered, leaving the matter unresolved. The atmosphere during these media briefings has become increasingly awkward, raising concerns it could impact what has up to now been a decent beginning to the campaign. Chelsea's on-field situation is strong: they are in the top four in the league, have qualified for the Carabao Cup last four, and can achieve a favourable European draw with good results in their final matches. The lingering uncertainty is whether this behind-the-scenes situation might begin to disrupt a squad that was beginning to appear settled.