🔗 Share this article Chelsea Manager Maresca Dismisses Manchester City Speculation as '100%' Gossip Enzo Maresca previously worked as an coach to Pep Guardiola with Manchester City. Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has branded fresh talk linking him with a move to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay. The Italian manager, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man in Manchester, responded to the ongoing rumours surrounding his future. Maresca, named Chelsea manager in June 2024, has a contract running through the end of the decade, with a potential extra year available. "It doesn't bother me at all because I know that is completely unfounded," Maresca said. "And at this moment, there is no time for such distractions." He further elaborated, Primarily, because I have a contract here for several more years. 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 linked with a role in Italy with Juventus. So I ignore it because I know that is without foundation." Chelsea, currently sitting fourth in the Premier League, are scheduled to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a lunchtime fixture. Tensions Following Recent Remarks Maresca's latest statement follow after he referred to a recent two-day spell as his most difficult since arriving at Chelsea. Those initial words had fueled considerable talk of a possible disagreement between the coach and the club's key decision-makers. When asked if he had since spoken with the Chelsea's sporting directors, Maresca replied, "We are in the same facility, so we speak about various topics. But about the Everton press conference, no." The Italian however affirmed he would definitely stay at the club next season and urged supporters to "continue to support the team". In brighter 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 on 27 December. Perspective: Unresolved Tension The perceived strain between Maresca and the Chelsea board persists as an unhealed issue that still cause concern. While there has been no deepening of the matter publicly, there has also been no resolution offered, leaving the matter unresolved. The atmosphere during the manager's press conferences has grown increasingly strained, raising fears it could undermine what has otherwise been a decent beginning to the campaign. Chelsea's sporting situation is strong: they are in the top four in the Premier League, have reached the Carabao Cup semi-finals, and can secure a favourable Champions League draw with good performances in their final games. The lingering uncertainty is whether this behind-the-scenes dynamic might begin to affect a squad that was beginning to appear cohesive.
Enzo Maresca previously worked as an coach to Pep Guardiola with Manchester City. Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has branded fresh talk linking him with a move to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay. The Italian manager, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man in Manchester, responded to the ongoing rumours surrounding his future. Maresca, named Chelsea manager in June 2024, has a contract running through the end of the decade, with a potential extra year available. "It doesn't bother me at all because I know that is completely unfounded," Maresca said. "And at this moment, there is no time for such distractions." He further elaborated, Primarily, because I have a contract here for several more years. 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 linked with a role in Italy with Juventus. So I ignore it because I know that is without foundation." Chelsea, currently sitting fourth in the Premier League, are scheduled to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a lunchtime fixture. Tensions Following Recent Remarks Maresca's latest statement follow after he referred to a recent two-day spell as his most difficult since arriving at Chelsea. Those initial words had fueled considerable talk of a possible disagreement between the coach and the club's key decision-makers. When asked if he had since spoken with the Chelsea's sporting directors, Maresca replied, "We are in the same facility, so we speak about various topics. But about the Everton press conference, no." The Italian however affirmed he would definitely stay at the club next season and urged supporters to "continue to support the team". In brighter 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 on 27 December. Perspective: Unresolved Tension The perceived strain between Maresca and the Chelsea board persists as an unhealed issue that still cause concern. While there has been no deepening of the matter publicly, there has also been no resolution offered, leaving the matter unresolved. The atmosphere during the manager's press conferences has grown increasingly strained, raising fears it could undermine what has otherwise been a decent beginning to the campaign. Chelsea's sporting situation is strong: they are in the top four in the Premier League, have reached the Carabao Cup semi-finals, and can secure a favourable Champions League draw with good performances in their final games. The lingering uncertainty is whether this behind-the-scenes dynamic might begin to affect a squad that was beginning to appear cohesive.