🔗 Share this article Chelsea Manager Maresca Dismisses Man City Links as '100%' Gossip Enzo Maresca was once an coach to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has branded recent talk connecting him with a move to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay. The Italian manager, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man at the Etihad, addressed the ongoing speculation about his next move. Maresca, named Chelsea boss in June 2024, has a contract that runs through the end of the decade, with a possible extra year option. "It doesn't affect me at all because I know that is 100% speculation," Maresca stated. "And at this moment, there is little room for these kind of things." He further elaborated, Primarily, because I have a contract here until 2029. 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 connected to a role in Italy with Juventus. So I ignore it because I know that is not true." Chelsea, presently placed in fourth position in the Premier League, are scheduled to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a lunchtime kick-off. Tensions After Recent Remarks Maresca's latest comments follow in the wake of he described a previous 48-hour period as his "worst" since joining Chelsea. Those initial words had fueled widespread speculation of a possible rift between the coach 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 speak about various topics. But about the post-Everton media session, no." The Italian did confirm he would "absolutely" stay at the club for the coming campaign and urged the fans to keep backing the team". In more positive news, Maresca indicated that sidelined attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return sooner than expected, potentially available for a match against Aston Villa on 27 December. Perspective: An 'Open Wound' The apparent disconnect between Maresca and the club's hierarchy remains as an unhealed issue that continues to cause concern. While there has been no further escalation of the matter publicly, there has equally been no resolution forthcoming, creating the disagreement unaddressed. The atmosphere during the manager's media briefings has become increasingly awkward, raising fears it could impact what has up to now been a promising beginning to the campaign. Chelsea's on-field position is strong: they are in the top four in the league, have qualified for the League Cup last four, and can achieve a better Champions League draw with good results in their remaining matches. The prevailing uncertainty is whether this off-field dynamic might eventually disrupt a squad that was beginning to appear cohesive.
Enzo Maresca was once an coach to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has branded recent talk connecting him with a move to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay. The Italian manager, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man at the Etihad, addressed the ongoing speculation about his next move. Maresca, named Chelsea boss in June 2024, has a contract that runs through the end of the decade, with a possible extra year option. "It doesn't affect me at all because I know that is 100% speculation," Maresca stated. "And at this moment, there is little room for these kind of things." He further elaborated, Primarily, because I have a contract here until 2029. 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 connected to a role in Italy with Juventus. So I ignore it because I know that is not true." Chelsea, presently placed in fourth position in the Premier League, are scheduled to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a lunchtime kick-off. Tensions After Recent Remarks Maresca's latest comments follow in the wake of he described a previous 48-hour period as his "worst" since joining Chelsea. Those initial words had fueled widespread speculation of a possible rift between the coach 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 speak about various topics. But about the post-Everton media session, no." The Italian did confirm he would "absolutely" stay at the club for the coming campaign and urged the fans to keep backing the team". In more positive news, Maresca indicated that sidelined attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return sooner than expected, potentially available for a match against Aston Villa on 27 December. Perspective: An 'Open Wound' The apparent disconnect between Maresca and the club's hierarchy remains as an unhealed issue that continues to cause concern. While there has been no further escalation of the matter publicly, there has equally been no resolution forthcoming, creating the disagreement unaddressed. The atmosphere during the manager's media briefings has become increasingly awkward, raising fears it could impact what has up to now been a promising beginning to the campaign. Chelsea's on-field position is strong: they are in the top four in the league, have qualified for the League Cup last four, and can achieve a better Champions League draw with good results in their remaining matches. The prevailing uncertainty is whether this off-field dynamic might eventually disrupt a squad that was beginning to appear cohesive.