🔗 Share this article Chelsea Boss Maresca Rejects Man City Links as '100%' Rumour Enzo Maresca previously worked as an coach to Pep Guardiola with Manchester City. Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has branded recent talk connecting him with a return to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay. The 45-year-old, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's assistant in Manchester, responded to the ongoing rumours about his next move. Maresca, named Chelsea manager in the summer of 2024, has a contract that runs until 2029, with a potential extra year option. "It doesn't affect me at all because I know that is completely unfounded," Maresca stated. "And at this moment, there is little room for these kind of things." He further elaborated, "First of all, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my attention, I said many times, is just about 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 don't pay attention because I know that is without foundation." Chelsea, presently placed fourth in the Premier League, are set to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a 12:30 GMT kick-off. Strain Following Previous Comments Maresca's most recent comments come after he described a recent 48-hour period as his "worst" since arriving at Chelsea. Those original remarks had sparked widespread speculation of a potential disagreement between the coach and the club's key decision-makers. When pressed if he had since spoken with the club's sporting directors, Maresca replied, "We are in the same facility, so we talk about various topics. But about the post-Everton media session, no." The Italian however affirmed he would "absolutely" stay at the club next season and called on supporters to keep backing the team". In brighter news, Maresca revealed that injured forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return sooner than expected, possibly in contention for a match against Aston Villa later this month. Analysis: An 'Open Wound' The apparent strain between Maresca and the Chelsea board persists as an open wound that still cause concern. While there has been no further escalation of the situation in the open, there has equally been no apology offered, creating the disagreement unresolved. The atmosphere during the manager's press conferences has grown increasingly strained, raising concerns it could undermine what has up to now been a decent start to the season. Chelsea's on-field position is strong: they are fourth in the league, have qualified for the Carabao Cup last four, and can secure a better European draw with strong performances in their remaining games. The lingering question is whether this behind-the-scenes situation might eventually disrupt a team 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 recent talk connecting him with a return to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay. The 45-year-old, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's assistant in Manchester, responded to the ongoing rumours about his next move. Maresca, named Chelsea manager in the summer of 2024, has a contract that runs until 2029, with a potential extra year option. "It doesn't affect me at all because I know that is completely unfounded," Maresca stated. "And at this moment, there is little room for these kind of things." He further elaborated, "First of all, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my attention, I said many times, is just about 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 don't pay attention because I know that is without foundation." Chelsea, presently placed fourth in the Premier League, are set to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a 12:30 GMT kick-off. Strain Following Previous Comments Maresca's most recent comments come after he described a recent 48-hour period as his "worst" since arriving at Chelsea. Those original remarks had sparked widespread speculation of a potential disagreement between the coach and the club's key decision-makers. When pressed if he had since spoken with the club's sporting directors, Maresca replied, "We are in the same facility, so we talk about various topics. But about the post-Everton media session, no." The Italian however affirmed he would "absolutely" stay at the club next season and called on supporters to keep backing the team". In brighter news, Maresca revealed that injured forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return sooner than expected, possibly in contention for a match against Aston Villa later this month. Analysis: An 'Open Wound' The apparent strain between Maresca and the Chelsea board persists as an open wound that still cause concern. While there has been no further escalation of the situation in the open, there has equally been no apology offered, creating the disagreement unresolved. The atmosphere during the manager's press conferences has grown increasingly strained, raising concerns it could undermine what has up to now been a decent start to the season. Chelsea's on-field position is strong: they are fourth in the league, have qualified for the Carabao Cup last four, and can secure a better European draw with strong performances in their remaining games. The lingering question is whether this behind-the-scenes situation might eventually disrupt a team that was beginning to appear cohesive.