đź”— Share this article Blues Boss Maresca Dismisses Manchester City Links as '100%' Gossip Enzo Maresca previously worked as an assistant to Pep Guardiola with Manchester City. Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has branded recent talk linking him with a return to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay. The Italian manager, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man in Manchester, addressed the persistent rumours about his future. Maresca, appointed Chelsea boss in the summer of 2024, has a contract that runs through the end of the decade, with a potential extra year option. "It doesn't bother me at all because I know that is 100% speculation," Maresca said. "And at this moment, there is no time for such distractions." He further elaborated, "First of all, because I have a contract here for several more years. And my attention, I have stated many times, is just about this club and I'm very proud to be here. But again, it's rumour. One week ago I was connected to a role in Italy with Juventus. So I don't pay attention because I know that is without foundation." Chelsea, currently sitting in fourth position in the Premier League, are set to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a lunchtime fixture. Strain Following Previous Comments Maresca's most recent statement follow after he described a recent two-day spell as his "worst" since arriving at Chelsea. Those original remarks had fueled considerable speculation of a potential disagreement between the manager and the club's ownership hierarchy. When asked if he had discussed matters with the club's leadership, Maresca replied, "We are in the same facility, so we speak about different things. But about the Everton press conference, no." The Italian did confirm he would "absolutely" remain at the club next season and urged the fans to keep backing the team". In more positive news, Maresca revealed that injured forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return sooner than expected, possibly available for a fixture against Aston Villa on 27 December. Perspective: Unresolved Tension The perceived strain between Maresca and the club's hierarchy persists as an unhealed issue that continues to cause concern. While there has been no deepening of the situation publicly, there has equally been no resolution offered, leaving the matter unresolved. The mood during these press conferences has grown increasingly strained, raising fears it could undermine what has up to now been a decent start to the season. Chelsea's sporting situation is positive: they are fourth in the league, have reached the League Cup semi-finals, and can secure a better Champions League position with strong performances in their remaining games. The prevailing question is whether this behind-the-scenes dynamic might eventually disrupt a team that was beginning to appear cohesive.
Enzo Maresca previously worked as an assistant to Pep Guardiola with Manchester City. Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has branded recent talk linking him with a return to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay. The Italian manager, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man in Manchester, addressed the persistent rumours about his future. Maresca, appointed Chelsea boss in the summer of 2024, has a contract that runs through the end of the decade, with a potential extra year option. "It doesn't bother me at all because I know that is 100% speculation," Maresca said. "And at this moment, there is no time for such distractions." He further elaborated, "First of all, because I have a contract here for several more years. And my attention, I have stated many times, is just about this club and I'm very proud to be here. But again, it's rumour. One week ago I was connected to a role in Italy with Juventus. So I don't pay attention because I know that is without foundation." Chelsea, currently sitting in fourth position in the Premier League, are set to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a lunchtime fixture. Strain Following Previous Comments Maresca's most recent statement follow after he described a recent two-day spell as his "worst" since arriving at Chelsea. Those original remarks had fueled considerable speculation of a potential disagreement between the manager and the club's ownership hierarchy. When asked if he had discussed matters with the club's leadership, Maresca replied, "We are in the same facility, so we speak about different things. But about the Everton press conference, no." The Italian did confirm he would "absolutely" remain at the club next season and urged the fans to keep backing the team". In more positive news, Maresca revealed that injured forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return sooner than expected, possibly available for a fixture against Aston Villa on 27 December. Perspective: Unresolved Tension The perceived strain between Maresca and the club's hierarchy persists as an unhealed issue that continues to cause concern. While there has been no deepening of the situation publicly, there has equally been no resolution offered, leaving the matter unresolved. The mood during these press conferences has grown increasingly strained, raising fears it could undermine what has up to now been a decent start to the season. Chelsea's sporting situation is positive: they are fourth in the league, have reached the League Cup semi-finals, and can secure a better Champions League position with strong performances in their remaining games. The prevailing question is whether this behind-the-scenes dynamic might eventually disrupt a team that was beginning to appear cohesive.