🔗 Share this article Chelsea Boss Maresca Rejects Man City Links as Pure Gossip Enzo Maresca previously worked as an coach to Pep Guardiola with Manchester City. Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has branded fresh talk linking him with a return 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 rumours surrounding his future. Maresca, named Chelsea boss in June 2024, has a contract that runs until 2029, with a possible extension available. "It doesn't bother 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 attention, I said many times, is solely on this club and I'm honoured to be here. But again, it's rumour. One week ago I was linked with a role in Italy with Juventus. 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 on Saturday in a 12:30 GMT kick-off. Strain After Previous Comments Maresca's latest statement come in the wake of he referred to a recent 48-hour period as his "worst" since joining Chelsea. Those original words had fueled widespread speculation of a possible disagreement between the manager and the club's ownership hierarchy. When asked if he had since spoken with the Chelsea's leadership, Maresca responded, "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 remain at the club for the coming campaign and urged supporters to "continue to support the team". In brighter news, Maresca revealed that injured attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return sooner than expected, potentially available for a fixture against Aston Villa later this month. Perspective: An 'Open Wound' The perceived strain between Maresca and the club's hierarchy persists 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 apology offered, leaving the matter unaddressed. The mood during these media briefings has become increasingly awkward, leading to concerns it could impact what has up to now been a decent start to the season. Chelsea's on-field situation is positive: they are in the top four in the league, have reached the League Cup semi-finals, and can achieve a better Champions League position with good results in their remaining matches. The prevailing uncertainty is whether this behind-the-scenes situation might eventually affect a squad that was beginning to look settled.
Enzo Maresca previously worked as an coach to Pep Guardiola with Manchester City. Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has branded fresh talk linking him with a return 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 rumours surrounding his future. Maresca, named Chelsea boss in June 2024, has a contract that runs until 2029, with a possible extension available. "It doesn't bother 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 attention, I said many times, is solely on this club and I'm honoured to be here. But again, it's rumour. One week ago I was linked with a role in Italy with Juventus. 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 on Saturday in a 12:30 GMT kick-off. Strain After Previous Comments Maresca's latest statement come in the wake of he referred to a recent 48-hour period as his "worst" since joining Chelsea. Those original words had fueled widespread speculation of a possible disagreement between the manager and the club's ownership hierarchy. When asked if he had since spoken with the Chelsea's leadership, Maresca responded, "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 remain at the club for the coming campaign and urged supporters to "continue to support the team". In brighter news, Maresca revealed that injured attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return sooner than expected, potentially available for a fixture against Aston Villa later this month. Perspective: An 'Open Wound' The perceived strain between Maresca and the club's hierarchy persists 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 apology offered, leaving the matter unaddressed. The mood during these media briefings has become increasingly awkward, leading to concerns it could impact what has up to now been a decent start to the season. Chelsea's on-field situation is positive: they are in the top four in the league, have reached the League Cup semi-finals, and can achieve a better Champions League position with good results in their remaining matches. The prevailing uncertainty is whether this behind-the-scenes situation might eventually affect a squad that was beginning to look settled.