🔗 Share this article Chelsea Boss Maresca Dismisses Man City Speculation as '100%' Gossip Enzo Maresca previously worked as an assistant to Pep Guardiola with Manchester City. Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has labelled recent talk connecting 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 surrounding his next move. Maresca, appointed Chelsea manager in June 2024, has a contract running through the end of the decade, with a possible extra year option. "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, Primarily, because I have a contract here for several more years. And my focus, I have stated many times, is solely on this club and I'm very proud to be here. But again, it's speculation. One week ago I was linked with Juventus in Italy. So I ignore it because I know that is not true." Chelsea, presently placed fourth in the top flight, are scheduled to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a lunchtime kick-off. Tensions Following Recent Remarks Maresca's most recent comments come in the wake of he referred to a recent two-day spell as his most difficult since arriving at Chelsea. Those initial remarks had fueled considerable talk of a possible rift between the manager and the club's key decision-makers. When asked if he had discussed matters with the club's sporting directors, Maresca responded, "We are in the same facility, so we talk about different things. But about the Everton media session, no." The Italian did confirm he would definitely remain at the club next season and urged 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 ahead of schedule, potentially available for a match against Aston Villa on 27 December. Perspective: Unresolved Tension The apparent disconnect between Maresca and the Chelsea board persists as an unhealed issue that continues to cause concern. While there has been no further escalation of the situation publicly, there has equally been no resolution forthcoming, creating the matter unresolved. The atmosphere during these press conferences has become increasingly strained, leading to concerns it could undermine what has otherwise been a decent beginning to the season. Chelsea's sporting situation is positive: they are in the top four in the Premier League, have reached the League Cup semi-finals, and can secure a better European position with strong results in their remaining games. The prevailing uncertainty 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 assistant to Pep Guardiola with Manchester City. Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has labelled recent talk connecting 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 surrounding his next move. Maresca, appointed Chelsea manager in June 2024, has a contract running through the end of the decade, with a possible extra year option. "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, Primarily, because I have a contract here for several more years. And my focus, I have stated many times, is solely on this club and I'm very proud to be here. But again, it's speculation. One week ago I was linked with Juventus in Italy. So I ignore it because I know that is not true." Chelsea, presently placed fourth in the top flight, are scheduled to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a lunchtime kick-off. Tensions Following Recent Remarks Maresca's most recent comments come in the wake of he referred to a recent two-day spell as his most difficult since arriving at Chelsea. Those initial remarks had fueled considerable talk of a possible rift between the manager and the club's key decision-makers. When asked if he had discussed matters with the club's sporting directors, Maresca responded, "We are in the same facility, so we talk about different things. But about the Everton media session, no." The Italian did confirm he would definitely remain at the club next season and urged 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 ahead of schedule, potentially available for a match against Aston Villa on 27 December. Perspective: Unresolved Tension The apparent disconnect between Maresca and the Chelsea board persists as an unhealed issue that continues to cause concern. While there has been no further escalation of the situation publicly, there has equally been no resolution forthcoming, creating the matter unresolved. The atmosphere during these press conferences has become increasingly strained, leading to concerns it could undermine what has otherwise been a decent beginning to the season. Chelsea's sporting situation is positive: they are in the top four in the Premier League, have reached the League Cup semi-finals, and can secure a better European position with strong results in their remaining games. The prevailing uncertainty is whether this behind-the-scenes situation might begin to disrupt a team that was just starting to look cohesive.