🔗 Share this article Blues Boss Maresca Rejects Man City Speculation as '100%' Rumour Enzo Maresca was once an assistant to Pep Guardiola with Manchester City. Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has labelled fresh reports 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 persistent rumours surrounding his next move. Maresca, named Chelsea boss in June 2024, has a contract that runs until 2029, with a potential extra year available. "It doesn't affect 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 until 2029. And my focus, I said many times, is just about 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, presently placed in fourth position in the top flight, are set to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a 12:30 GMT kick-off. Strain Following Previous Remarks Maresca's latest comments come in the wake of he described a recent 48-hour period as his "worst" since arriving at Chelsea. Those initial remarks had sparked considerable speculation of a possible disagreement between the coach and the club's key decision-makers. When asked if he had discussed matters with the club's leadership, Maresca replied, "We are in the same facility, so we talk about different things. But about the post-Everton press conference, no." The manager did confirm he would definitely remain at the club next season and urged the fans to keep backing the team". In more positive news, Maresca indicated that injured attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back ahead of schedule, possibly in contention for a match against Aston Villa later this month. Perspective: Unresolved Tension The perceived strain between Maresca and the club's hierarchy remains as an unhealed issue that still cause concern. While there has been no further escalation of the situation publicly, there has also been no apology offered, creating the disagreement unresolved. The mood during the manager's media briefings has grown increasingly awkward, raising concerns it could impact what has otherwise been a decent beginning to the season. Chelsea's sporting situation is strong: they are fourth in the Premier League, have qualified for the League Cup semi-finals, and can secure a favourable European position with good results in their final matches. The lingering uncertainty is whether this off-field dynamic might begin to affect a team that was just starting to appear settled.
Enzo Maresca was once an assistant to Pep Guardiola with Manchester City. Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has labelled fresh reports 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 persistent rumours surrounding his next move. Maresca, named Chelsea boss in June 2024, has a contract that runs until 2029, with a potential extra year available. "It doesn't affect 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 until 2029. And my focus, I said many times, is just about 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, presently placed in fourth position in the top flight, are set to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a 12:30 GMT kick-off. Strain Following Previous Remarks Maresca's latest comments come in the wake of he described a recent 48-hour period as his "worst" since arriving at Chelsea. Those initial remarks had sparked considerable speculation of a possible disagreement between the coach and the club's key decision-makers. When asked if he had discussed matters with the club's leadership, Maresca replied, "We are in the same facility, so we talk about different things. But about the post-Everton press conference, no." The manager did confirm he would definitely remain at the club next season and urged the fans to keep backing the team". In more positive news, Maresca indicated that injured attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back ahead of schedule, possibly in contention for a match against Aston Villa later this month. Perspective: Unresolved Tension The perceived strain between Maresca and the club's hierarchy remains as an unhealed issue that still cause concern. While there has been no further escalation of the situation publicly, there has also been no apology offered, creating the disagreement unresolved. The mood during the manager's media briefings has grown increasingly awkward, raising concerns it could impact what has otherwise been a decent beginning to the season. Chelsea's sporting situation is strong: they are fourth in the Premier League, have qualified for the League Cup semi-finals, and can secure a favourable European position with good results in their final matches. The lingering uncertainty is whether this off-field dynamic might begin to affect a team that was just starting to appear settled.