🔗 Share this article Chelsea Manager Maresca Dismisses Man City Links as '100%' Rumour Enzo Maresca was once an assistant 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 Italian manager, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's assistant in Manchester, addressed the ongoing rumours about his future. Maresca, named Chelsea manager in the summer of 2024, has a contract running through the end of the decade, with a potential extension available. "It doesn't bother me at all because I know that is completely unfounded," Maresca stated. "And at this moment, there is little room for such distractions." 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 a role in Italy with Juventus. So I don't pay attention because I know that is not true." Chelsea, currently sitting in fourth position in the Premier League, are set to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a lunchtime fixture. Tensions After Previous Comments Maresca's most recent statement follow in the wake of he described a recent 48-hour period as his "worst" since arriving at Chelsea. Those initial words had fueled considerable 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 various topics. But about the post-Everton press conference, no." The Italian however affirmed he would "absolutely" remain at the club next season and called on supporters to "continue to support the team". In more positive news, Maresca revealed 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: Unresolved Tension The apparent strain between Maresca and the Chelsea board persists as an open wound that still create unease. While there has been no deepening of the situation publicly, there has equally been no apology offered, creating the disagreement unresolved. The mood during the manager's press conferences has become notably awkward, leading to concerns it could impact what has otherwise been a decent beginning to the season. Chelsea's sporting position is positive: they are fourth in the league, have qualified for the League Cup last four, and can secure a better Champions League position with strong performances in their final games. The prevailing uncertainty is whether this off-field situation might eventually affect a squad that was beginning to appear cohesive.
Enzo Maresca was once an assistant 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 Italian manager, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's assistant in Manchester, addressed the ongoing rumours about his future. Maresca, named Chelsea manager in the summer of 2024, has a contract running through the end of the decade, with a potential extension available. "It doesn't bother me at all because I know that is completely unfounded," Maresca stated. "And at this moment, there is little room for such distractions." 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 a role in Italy with Juventus. So I don't pay attention because I know that is not true." Chelsea, currently sitting in fourth position in the Premier League, are set to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a lunchtime fixture. Tensions After Previous Comments Maresca's most recent statement follow in the wake of he described a recent 48-hour period as his "worst" since arriving at Chelsea. Those initial words had fueled considerable 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 various topics. But about the post-Everton press conference, no." The Italian however affirmed he would "absolutely" remain at the club next season and called on supporters to "continue to support the team". In more positive news, Maresca revealed 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: Unresolved Tension The apparent strain between Maresca and the Chelsea board persists as an open wound that still create unease. While there has been no deepening of the situation publicly, there has equally been no apology offered, creating the disagreement unresolved. The mood during the manager's press conferences has become notably awkward, leading to concerns it could impact what has otherwise been a decent beginning to the season. Chelsea's sporting position is positive: they are fourth in the league, have qualified for the League Cup last four, and can secure a better Champions League position with strong performances in their final games. The prevailing uncertainty is whether this off-field situation might eventually affect a squad that was beginning to appear cohesive.