🔗 Share this article Chelsea Boss Maresca Dismisses 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 branded fresh talk linking him with a return to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay. The Italian manager, who once served as Pep Guardiola's assistant in Manchester, responded to the persistent rumours about his future. Maresca, named Chelsea boss in the summer of 2024, is under contract running until 2029, with a potential extension available. "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 went on to explain, Primarily, 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 honoured to be here. But again, it's rumour. One week ago I was connected to Juventus in Italy. So I don't pay attention because I know that is not true." Chelsea, currently sitting in fourth position in the top flight, are set to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a 12:30 GMT fixture. Tensions After Recent Comments Maresca's latest comments follow after he described a previous 48-hour period as his most difficult since joining Chelsea. Those original words had sparked considerable talk of a possible rift between the coach 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 facility, so we speak about various topics. But about the post-Everton press conference, no." The manager however affirmed he would definitely stay at the club next season and called on the fans to "continue to support the team". In brighter news, Maresca revealed that sidelined forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back sooner than expected, possibly available for a match against Aston Villa on 27 December. Analysis: Unresolved Tension The apparent strain between Maresca and the club's hierarchy remains as an open wound that continues to create unease. While there has been no deepening of the situation in the open, there has equally been no resolution forthcoming, creating the disagreement unresolved. The atmosphere during the manager's media briefings has grown 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 fourth in the league, have qualified for the Carabao Cup semi-finals, and can secure a better Champions League position with good performances in their remaining matches. The lingering question is whether this behind-the-scenes situation might begin to disrupt a team that was just starting to look cohesive.
Enzo Maresca previously worked as an coach to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has branded fresh talk linking him with a return to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay. The Italian manager, who once served as Pep Guardiola's assistant in Manchester, responded to the persistent rumours about his future. Maresca, named Chelsea boss in the summer of 2024, is under contract running until 2029, with a potential extension available. "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 went on to explain, Primarily, 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 honoured to be here. But again, it's rumour. One week ago I was connected to Juventus in Italy. So I don't pay attention because I know that is not true." Chelsea, currently sitting in fourth position in the top flight, are set to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a 12:30 GMT fixture. Tensions After Recent Comments Maresca's latest comments follow after he described a previous 48-hour period as his most difficult since joining Chelsea. Those original words had sparked considerable talk of a possible rift between the coach 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 facility, so we speak about various topics. But about the post-Everton press conference, no." The manager however affirmed he would definitely stay at the club next season and called on the fans to "continue to support the team". In brighter news, Maresca revealed that sidelined forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back sooner than expected, possibly available for a match against Aston Villa on 27 December. Analysis: Unresolved Tension The apparent strain between Maresca and the club's hierarchy remains as an open wound that continues to create unease. While there has been no deepening of the situation in the open, there has equally been no resolution forthcoming, creating the disagreement unresolved. The atmosphere during the manager's media briefings has grown 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 fourth in the league, have qualified for the Carabao Cup semi-finals, and can secure a better Champions League position with good performances in their remaining matches. The lingering question is whether this behind-the-scenes situation might begin to disrupt a team that was just starting to look cohesive.