đź”— Share this article Blues Manager Maresca Rejects Manchester City Speculation as '100%' Rumour Enzo Maresca previously worked as an coach to Pep Guardiola with Manchester City. Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has branded fresh reports linking him with a return to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay. The Italian manager, who once served as Pep Guardiola's assistant at the Etihad, responded to the persistent rumours about his next move. Maresca, named Chelsea manager in the summer of 2024, has a contract that runs through the end of the decade, with a possible extra year option. "It doesn't bother me at all because I know that is completely unfounded," Maresca stated. "And at this moment, there is no time for such distractions." He further elaborated, "First of all, because I have a contract here until 2029. 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 Juventus in Italy. So I don't pay attention 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. Strain After Recent Comments Maresca's latest comments come after he referred to a recent two-day spell as his most difficult since joining Chelsea. Those initial words had sparked considerable speculation of a possible disagreement between the manager and the club's key decision-makers. When pressed if he had since spoken with the Chelsea's sporting directors, Maresca responded, "We are in the same facility, so we speak about different things. But about the post-Everton press conference, no." The manager did confirm he would definitely stay at the club next season and called on the fans to keep backing the team". In more positive news, Maresca indicated that sidelined attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back sooner than expected, possibly in contention for a match against Aston Villa later this month. Perspective: An 'Open Wound' The apparent disconnect between Maresca and the club's hierarchy remains as an unhealed issue that still create unease. While there has been no deepening of the matter in the open, there has equally been no resolution offered, leaving the disagreement unresolved. The atmosphere during the manager's press conferences has become notably strained, raising fears it could undermine what has up to now been a promising start to the campaign. Chelsea's on-field situation is positive: they are in the top four in the Premier League, have qualified for the Carabao Cup last four, and can secure a better European position with strong performances in their remaining matches. The prevailing uncertainty is whether this behind-the-scenes dynamic might begin to affect a team that was beginning to look cohesive.
Enzo Maresca previously worked as an coach to Pep Guardiola with Manchester City. Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has branded fresh reports linking him with a return to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay. The Italian manager, who once served as Pep Guardiola's assistant at the Etihad, responded to the persistent rumours about his next move. Maresca, named Chelsea manager in the summer of 2024, has a contract that runs through the end of the decade, with a possible extra year option. "It doesn't bother me at all because I know that is completely unfounded," Maresca stated. "And at this moment, there is no time for such distractions." He further elaborated, "First of all, because I have a contract here until 2029. 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 Juventus in Italy. So I don't pay attention 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. Strain After Recent Comments Maresca's latest comments come after he referred to a recent two-day spell as his most difficult since joining Chelsea. Those initial words had sparked considerable speculation of a possible disagreement between the manager and the club's key decision-makers. When pressed if he had since spoken with the Chelsea's sporting directors, Maresca responded, "We are in the same facility, so we speak about different things. But about the post-Everton press conference, no." The manager did confirm he would definitely stay at the club next season and called on the fans to keep backing the team". In more positive news, Maresca indicated that sidelined attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back sooner than expected, possibly in contention for a match against Aston Villa later this month. Perspective: An 'Open Wound' The apparent disconnect between Maresca and the club's hierarchy remains as an unhealed issue that still create unease. While there has been no deepening of the matter in the open, there has equally been no resolution offered, leaving the disagreement unresolved. The atmosphere during the manager's press conferences has become notably strained, raising fears it could undermine what has up to now been a promising start to the campaign. Chelsea's on-field situation is positive: they are in the top four in the Premier League, have qualified for the Carabao Cup last four, and can secure a better European position with strong performances in their remaining matches. The prevailing uncertainty is whether this behind-the-scenes dynamic might begin to affect a team that was beginning to look cohesive.