🔗 Share this article Blues Manager Maresca Dismisses Manchester City Links as '100%' Rumour Enzo Maresca was once an assistant to Pep Guardiola with Manchester City. Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has branded recent talk linking him with a return to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay. The 45-year-old, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's assistant at the Etihad, responded to the ongoing rumours surrounding his next move. Maresca, named Chelsea manager in June 2024, is under contract running through the end of the decade, with a possible extra year option. "It doesn't affect me at all because I know that is 100% speculation," Maresca said. "And at this moment, there is no time for these kind of things." He further elaborated, "First of all, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my focus, I said many times, is solely on this club and I'm very proud to be here. But again, it's rumour. One week ago I was linked with a role in Italy with Juventus. So I ignore it because I know that is not true." Chelsea, presently placed fourth in the Premier League, are set to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a lunchtime fixture. Tensions Following Previous Comments Maresca's latest comments follow after he described a previous 48-hour period as his most difficult since joining Chelsea. Those initial remarks had fueled considerable talk of a potential disagreement between the manager and the club's ownership hierarchy. When asked if he had discussed matters with the club's sporting directors, Maresca responded, "We are in the same building, so we talk about different things. But about the post-Everton media session, no." The Italian did confirm he would definitely remain at the club for the coming campaign and urged the fans to keep backing the team". In more positive news, Maresca revealed that sidelined forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back ahead of schedule, possibly in contention for a fixture against Aston Villa later this month. Analysis: An 'Open Wound' The apparent strain between Maresca and the Chelsea board remains as an open wound that still cause concern. While there has been no deepening of the matter in the open, there has also been no resolution forthcoming, leaving the matter unresolved. The atmosphere during the manager's press conferences has become increasingly strained, leading to concerns it could impact what has up to now been a promising start to the campaign. Chelsea's on-field situation is strong: they are fourth in the league, have reached the League Cup last four, and can achieve a favourable European position with good performances in their remaining matches. The lingering uncertainty is whether this off-field situation might eventually disrupt a team that was just starting to appear cohesive.
Enzo Maresca was once an assistant to Pep Guardiola with Manchester City. Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has branded recent talk linking him with a return to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay. The 45-year-old, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's assistant at the Etihad, responded to the ongoing rumours surrounding his next move. Maresca, named Chelsea manager in June 2024, is under contract running through the end of the decade, with a possible extra year option. "It doesn't affect me at all because I know that is 100% speculation," Maresca said. "And at this moment, there is no time for these kind of things." He further elaborated, "First of all, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my focus, I said many times, is solely on this club and I'm very proud to be here. But again, it's rumour. One week ago I was linked with a role in Italy with Juventus. So I ignore it because I know that is not true." Chelsea, presently placed fourth in the Premier League, are set to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a lunchtime fixture. Tensions Following Previous Comments Maresca's latest comments follow after he described a previous 48-hour period as his most difficult since joining Chelsea. Those initial remarks had fueled considerable talk of a potential disagreement between the manager and the club's ownership hierarchy. When asked if he had discussed matters with the club's sporting directors, Maresca responded, "We are in the same building, so we talk about different things. But about the post-Everton media session, no." The Italian did confirm he would definitely remain at the club for the coming campaign and urged the fans to keep backing the team". In more positive news, Maresca revealed that sidelined forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back ahead of schedule, possibly in contention for a fixture against Aston Villa later this month. Analysis: An 'Open Wound' The apparent strain between Maresca and the Chelsea board remains as an open wound that still cause concern. While there has been no deepening of the matter in the open, there has also been no resolution forthcoming, leaving the matter unresolved. The atmosphere during the manager's press conferences has become increasingly strained, leading to concerns it could impact what has up to now been a promising start to the campaign. Chelsea's on-field situation is strong: they are fourth in the league, have reached the League Cup last four, and can achieve a favourable European position with good performances in their remaining matches. The lingering uncertainty is whether this off-field situation might eventually disrupt a team that was just starting to appear cohesive.