🔗 Share this article Chelsea Boss Maresca Rejects Man City Links as Pure Rumour Enzo Maresca was once an coach to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has labelled recent talk connecting him with a move to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay. The 45-year-old, who once served as Pep Guardiola's assistant at the Etihad, responded to the ongoing rumours about his next move. Maresca, named Chelsea boss in the summer of 2024, is under 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 completely unfounded," Maresca stated. "And at this moment, there is no time for such distractions." He went on to explain, Primarily, 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 ignore it because I know that is not true." Chelsea, presently placed fourth in the top flight, are scheduled to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a 12:30 GMT fixture. Tensions After Recent Comments Maresca's latest comments come after he described a recent 48-hour period as his most difficult since arriving at Chelsea. Those original remarks had sparked widespread talk of a possible rift between the coach and the club's key decision-makers. When pressed if he had discussed matters with the Chelsea's sporting directors, Maresca responded, "We are in the same building, so we talk about different things. But about the Everton media session, no." The Italian did confirm he would definitely stay at the club for the coming campaign and urged supporters to keep backing the team". In more positive news, Maresca indicated that sidelined forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back ahead of schedule, potentially available for a match against Aston Villa later this month. Analysis: An 'Open Wound' The apparent strain between Maresca and the club's hierarchy persists as an open wound that still create unease. While there has been no further escalation of the situation publicly, there has also been no resolution offered, creating the matter unresolved. The atmosphere during the manager's media briefings has become notably strained, leading to fears it could undermine what has otherwise been a promising start to the season. Chelsea's sporting situation is positive: they are fourth in the league, have reached the Carabao Cup last four, and can achieve a better European draw with good performances in their final games. The lingering question is whether this off-field situation might eventually disrupt a team that was beginning to look cohesive.
Enzo Maresca was once an coach to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has labelled recent talk connecting him with a move to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay. The 45-year-old, who once served as Pep Guardiola's assistant at the Etihad, responded to the ongoing rumours about his next move. Maresca, named Chelsea boss in the summer of 2024, is under 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 completely unfounded," Maresca stated. "And at this moment, there is no time for such distractions." He went on to explain, Primarily, 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 ignore it because I know that is not true." Chelsea, presently placed fourth in the top flight, are scheduled to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a 12:30 GMT fixture. Tensions After Recent Comments Maresca's latest comments come after he described a recent 48-hour period as his most difficult since arriving at Chelsea. Those original remarks had sparked widespread talk of a possible rift between the coach and the club's key decision-makers. When pressed if he had discussed matters with the Chelsea's sporting directors, Maresca responded, "We are in the same building, so we talk about different things. But about the Everton media session, no." The Italian did confirm he would definitely stay at the club for the coming campaign and urged supporters to keep backing the team". In more positive news, Maresca indicated that sidelined forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back ahead of schedule, potentially available for a match against Aston Villa later this month. Analysis: An 'Open Wound' The apparent strain between Maresca and the club's hierarchy persists as an open wound that still create unease. While there has been no further escalation of the situation publicly, there has also been no resolution offered, creating the matter unresolved. The atmosphere during the manager's media briefings has become notably strained, leading to fears it could undermine what has otherwise been a promising start to the season. Chelsea's sporting situation is positive: they are fourth in the league, have reached the Carabao Cup last four, and can achieve a better European draw with good performances in their final games. The lingering question is whether this off-field situation might eventually disrupt a team that was beginning to look cohesive.