🔗 Share this article Blues Boss Maresca Rejects Man City Links as '100%' Gossip Enzo Maresca previously worked as an coach to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has labelled recent reports linking him with a move to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay. The Italian manager, who once served as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man in Manchester, addressed the persistent rumours surrounding his next move. Maresca, appointed Chelsea boss in the summer of 2024, has a 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 said. "And at this moment, there is no time for such distractions." He went on to explain, Primarily, because I have a contract here for several more years. And my attention, I said 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 a role in Italy with Juventus. So I ignore it because I know that is without foundation." Chelsea, currently sitting fourth in the top flight, are scheduled to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a 12:30 GMT fixture. Strain After Recent Remarks Maresca's latest statement follow after he referred to a previous two-day spell as his most difficult since arriving at Chelsea. Those initial words had sparked widespread talk of a potential rift between the manager and the club's key decision-makers. When pressed if he had since spoken with the club's leadership, Maresca responded, "We are in the same building, so we talk about different things. But about the post-Everton press conference, no." The Italian however affirmed 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, potentially in contention for a match against Aston Villa later this month. Analysis: Unresolved Tension The apparent strain between Maresca and the Chelsea board remains as an unhealed issue that continues to cause concern. While there has been no deepening of the situation publicly, there has equally been no apology forthcoming, leaving the disagreement unresolved. The mood during the manager's press conferences has become notably strained, raising fears it could undermine what has otherwise been a decent start to the campaign. Chelsea's on-field situation is strong: they are in the top four in the league, have qualified for the League Cup semi-finals, and can achieve a better Champions League draw with strong performances in their final games. The lingering question is whether this behind-the-scenes dynamic might begin to disrupt a team that was just starting to appear cohesive.
Enzo Maresca previously worked as an coach to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has labelled recent reports linking him with a move to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay. The Italian manager, who once served as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man in Manchester, addressed the persistent rumours surrounding his next move. Maresca, appointed Chelsea boss in the summer of 2024, has a 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 said. "And at this moment, there is no time for such distractions." He went on to explain, Primarily, because I have a contract here for several more years. And my attention, I said 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 a role in Italy with Juventus. So I ignore it because I know that is without foundation." Chelsea, currently sitting fourth in the top flight, are scheduled to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a 12:30 GMT fixture. Strain After Recent Remarks Maresca's latest statement follow after he referred to a previous two-day spell as his most difficult since arriving at Chelsea. Those initial words had sparked widespread talk of a potential rift between the manager and the club's key decision-makers. When pressed if he had since spoken with the club's leadership, Maresca responded, "We are in the same building, so we talk about different things. But about the post-Everton press conference, no." The Italian however affirmed 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, potentially in contention for a match against Aston Villa later this month. Analysis: Unresolved Tension The apparent strain between Maresca and the Chelsea board remains as an unhealed issue that continues to cause concern. While there has been no deepening of the situation publicly, there has equally been no apology forthcoming, leaving the disagreement unresolved. The mood during the manager's press conferences has become notably strained, raising fears it could undermine what has otherwise been a decent start to the campaign. Chelsea's on-field situation is strong: they are in the top four in the league, have qualified for the League Cup semi-finals, and can achieve a better Champions League draw with strong performances in their final games. The lingering question is whether this behind-the-scenes dynamic might begin to disrupt a team that was just starting to appear cohesive.