🔗 Share this article Chelsea Manager Maresca Rejects Man City Links as '100%' Gossip Enzo Maresca was once an coach to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has labelled recent talk connecting him with a move to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay. The 45-year-old, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's assistant at the Etihad, addressed the ongoing speculation about his next move. Maresca, named Chelsea manager in June 2024, has a contract that runs until 2029, with a potential extension available. "It doesn't affect me at all because I know that is 100% speculation," Maresca said. "And at this moment, there is little room for such distractions." He went on to explain, Primarily, because I have a contract here for several more years. And my focus, I said many times, is just about this club and I'm honoured to be here. But again, it's speculation. One week ago I was connected to Juventus in Italy. So I ignore it because I know that is not true." Chelsea, presently placed in fourth position in the Premier League, are set to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a lunchtime fixture. Tensions Following Previous Remarks Maresca's most recent statement follow in the wake of he described a previous 48-hour period as his "worst" since joining Chelsea. Those original remarks had sparked considerable talk of a potential disagreement between the coach 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 speak about different things. But about the post-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 revealed that sidelined forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return sooner than expected, potentially available for a match against Aston Villa later this month. Perspective: Unresolved Tension The apparent strain between Maresca and the Chelsea board persists as an open wound that continues to create unease. While there has been no deepening of the situation publicly, there has also been no resolution offered, leaving the disagreement unresolved. The mood during the manager's press conferences has become increasingly awkward, raising fears it could undermine what has up to now been a promising start to the season. Chelsea's sporting position is positive: they are in the top four in the league, have qualified for the Carabao Cup last four, and can achieve a favourable European position with good performances in their final matches. The lingering question is whether this off-field situation might begin to disrupt a squad that was beginning to appear cohesive.
Enzo Maresca was once an coach to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has labelled recent talk connecting him with a move to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay. The 45-year-old, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's assistant at the Etihad, addressed the ongoing speculation about his next move. Maresca, named Chelsea manager in June 2024, has a contract that runs until 2029, with a potential extension available. "It doesn't affect me at all because I know that is 100% speculation," Maresca said. "And at this moment, there is little room for such distractions." He went on to explain, Primarily, because I have a contract here for several more years. And my focus, I said many times, is just about this club and I'm honoured to be here. But again, it's speculation. One week ago I was connected to Juventus in Italy. So I ignore it because I know that is not true." Chelsea, presently placed in fourth position in the Premier League, are set to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a lunchtime fixture. Tensions Following Previous Remarks Maresca's most recent statement follow in the wake of he described a previous 48-hour period as his "worst" since joining Chelsea. Those original remarks had sparked considerable talk of a potential disagreement between the coach 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 speak about different things. But about the post-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 revealed that sidelined forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return sooner than expected, potentially available for a match against Aston Villa later this month. Perspective: Unresolved Tension The apparent strain between Maresca and the Chelsea board persists as an open wound that continues to create unease. While there has been no deepening of the situation publicly, there has also been no resolution offered, leaving the disagreement unresolved. The mood during the manager's press conferences has become increasingly awkward, raising fears it could undermine what has up to now been a promising start to the season. Chelsea's sporting position is positive: they are in the top four in the league, have qualified for the Carabao Cup last four, and can achieve a favourable European position with good performances in their final matches. The lingering question is whether this off-field situation might begin to disrupt a squad that was beginning to appear cohesive.