🔗 Share this article Blues Manager Maresca Rejects Man City Speculation as '100%' Gossip Enzo Maresca was once an coach to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has labelled recent reports connecting 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 ongoing rumours surrounding his next move. Maresca, named Chelsea manager in the summer of 2024, has a contract that runs until 2029, 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 until 2029. And my attention, I said many times, is just about this club and I'm very proud to be here. But again, it's speculation. One week ago I was connected to Juventus in Italy. So I don't pay attention because I know that is without foundation." Chelsea, currently sitting in fourth position in the top flight, are scheduled to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a lunchtime fixture. Strain Following Previous Comments Maresca's most recent comments come after he described a previous 48-hour period as his "worst" since joining Chelsea. Those initial words had sparked considerable speculation of a possible rift between the manager and the club's key decision-makers. When pressed if he had since spoken with the club's sporting directors, Maresca replied, "We are in the same facility, so we talk about various topics. But about the Everton media session, no." The Italian however affirmed he would "absolutely" remain at the club for the coming campaign and called on supporters to keep backing the team". In more positive news, Maresca revealed that injured forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back ahead of schedule, possibly in contention for a match against Aston Villa later this month. Analysis: Unresolved Tension The apparent disconnect between Maresca and the club's hierarchy remains as an open wound that continues to create unease. While there has been no further escalation of the matter publicly, there has also been no resolution forthcoming, leaving the matter unresolved. The atmosphere during the manager's press conferences has grown notably strained, raising fears it could impact what has otherwise been a decent start to the season. Chelsea's on-field position is positive: they are in the top four in the league, have reached the Carabao Cup semi-finals, and can achieve a better European draw with strong performances in their remaining matches. The lingering question is whether this behind-the-scenes dynamic might eventually disrupt a squad that was just starting to look settled.
Enzo Maresca was once an coach to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has labelled recent reports connecting 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 ongoing rumours surrounding his next move. Maresca, named Chelsea manager in the summer of 2024, has a contract that runs until 2029, 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 until 2029. And my attention, I said many times, is just about this club and I'm very proud to be here. But again, it's speculation. One week ago I was connected to Juventus in Italy. So I don't pay attention because I know that is without foundation." Chelsea, currently sitting in fourth position in the top flight, are scheduled to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a lunchtime fixture. Strain Following Previous Comments Maresca's most recent comments come after he described a previous 48-hour period as his "worst" since joining Chelsea. Those initial words had sparked considerable speculation of a possible rift between the manager and the club's key decision-makers. When pressed if he had since spoken with the club's sporting directors, Maresca replied, "We are in the same facility, so we talk about various topics. But about the Everton media session, no." The Italian however affirmed he would "absolutely" remain at the club for the coming campaign and called on supporters to keep backing the team". In more positive news, Maresca revealed that injured forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back ahead of schedule, possibly in contention for a match against Aston Villa later this month. Analysis: Unresolved Tension The apparent disconnect between Maresca and the club's hierarchy remains as an open wound that continues to create unease. While there has been no further escalation of the matter publicly, there has also been no resolution forthcoming, leaving the matter unresolved. The atmosphere during the manager's press conferences has grown notably strained, raising fears it could impact what has otherwise been a decent start to the season. Chelsea's on-field position is positive: they are in the top four in the league, have reached the Carabao Cup semi-finals, and can achieve a better European draw with strong performances in their remaining matches. The lingering question is whether this behind-the-scenes dynamic might eventually disrupt a squad that was just starting to look settled.