🔗 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 gaffer Enzo Maresca has branded recent reports linking him with a move to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay. The 45-year-old, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man at the Etihad, responded to the persistent speculation surrounding his next move. Maresca, appointed Chelsea boss in June 2024, has a contract running through the end of the decade, 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 little room for such distractions." He further elaborated, "First of all, because I have a contract here for several more years. 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 Juventus in Italy. So I ignore it because I know that is without foundation." Chelsea, presently placed in fourth position in the top flight, are scheduled to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a lunchtime kick-off. Strain Following Recent Comments Maresca's most recent statement follow in the wake of he referred to a previous two-day spell as his "worst" since joining Chelsea. Those original words had sparked widespread talk of a possible disagreement between the coach and the club's ownership hierarchy. When pressed if he had discussed matters with the Chelsea's leadership, Maresca replied, "We are in the same building, so we talk about various topics. 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 "continue to support the team". In more positive news, Maresca indicated that sidelined attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back sooner than expected, possibly available for a fixture against Aston Villa later this month. Perspective: An 'Open Wound' The perceived disconnect between Maresca and the club's hierarchy remains as an unhealed issue that continues to cause concern. While there has been no deepening of the matter publicly, there has equally been no apology forthcoming, leaving the disagreement unaddressed. The atmosphere during the manager's press conferences has become increasingly awkward, leading to concerns it could impact what has up to now been a promising beginning to the season. Chelsea's sporting position is positive: they are in the top four in the Premier League, have qualified for the League Cup last four, and can achieve a favourable European draw with good results in their final matches. The lingering uncertainty is whether this off-field situation might eventually affect a team that was beginning to appear settled.
Enzo Maresca previously worked as an assistant to Pep Guardiola with Manchester City. Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has branded recent reports linking him with a move to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay. The 45-year-old, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man at the Etihad, responded to the persistent speculation surrounding his next move. Maresca, appointed Chelsea boss in June 2024, has a contract running through the end of the decade, 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 little room for such distractions." He further elaborated, "First of all, because I have a contract here for several more years. 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 Juventus in Italy. So I ignore it because I know that is without foundation." Chelsea, presently placed in fourth position in the top flight, are scheduled to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a lunchtime kick-off. Strain Following Recent Comments Maresca's most recent statement follow in the wake of he referred to a previous two-day spell as his "worst" since joining Chelsea. Those original words had sparked widespread talk of a possible disagreement between the coach and the club's ownership hierarchy. When pressed if he had discussed matters with the Chelsea's leadership, Maresca replied, "We are in the same building, so we talk about various topics. 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 "continue to support the team". In more positive news, Maresca indicated that sidelined attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back sooner than expected, possibly available for a fixture against Aston Villa later this month. Perspective: An 'Open Wound' The perceived disconnect between Maresca and the club's hierarchy remains as an unhealed issue that continues to cause concern. While there has been no deepening of the matter publicly, there has equally been no apology forthcoming, leaving the disagreement unaddressed. The atmosphere during the manager's press conferences has become increasingly awkward, leading to concerns it could impact what has up to now been a promising beginning to the season. Chelsea's sporting position is positive: they are in the top four in the Premier League, have qualified for the League Cup last four, and can achieve a favourable European draw with good results in their final matches. The lingering uncertainty is whether this off-field situation might eventually affect a team that was beginning to appear settled.