🔗 Share this article Blues Boss Maresca Dismisses Man City Links as Pure Rumour Enzo Maresca was once an coach to Pep Guardiola with Manchester City. Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has branded fresh talk linking 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 in Manchester, responded to the ongoing rumours surrounding his future. Maresca, appointed Chelsea manager in June 2024, is under contract running 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 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 just about this club and I'm honoured to be here. But again, it's rumour. One week ago I was connected to a role in Italy with Juventus. So I ignore it because I know that is without foundation." Chelsea, currently sitting fourth in the Premier League, are scheduled to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a lunchtime fixture. Tensions Following Previous Comments Maresca's most recent statement come in the wake of he referred to a previous two-day spell as his most difficult since joining Chelsea. Those original words had fueled widespread talk of a possible disagreement between the manager and the club's ownership hierarchy. When asked if he had discussed matters with the Chelsea's sporting directors, Maresca replied, "We are in the same facility, so we talk about different things. But about the Everton media session, no." The manager however affirmed he would "absolutely" stay at the club next season and urged supporters to keep backing the team". In more positive news, Maresca indicated that injured forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back ahead of schedule, possibly available for a fixture against Aston Villa later this month. Perspective: An 'Open Wound' The apparent 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 resolution offered, creating the matter unresolved. The atmosphere during the manager's press conferences has grown increasingly awkward, raising concerns it could impact what has otherwise been a decent start to the season. Chelsea's on-field position is strong: they are fourth in the league, have qualified for the League Cup semi-finals, and can secure a favourable Champions League position with good results in their final games. The prevailing question is whether this behind-the-scenes dynamic might begin to affect a team that was beginning to look cohesive.
Enzo Maresca was once an coach to Pep Guardiola with Manchester City. Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has branded fresh talk linking 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 in Manchester, responded to the ongoing rumours surrounding his future. Maresca, appointed Chelsea manager in June 2024, is under contract running 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 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 just about this club and I'm honoured to be here. But again, it's rumour. One week ago I was connected to a role in Italy with Juventus. So I ignore it because I know that is without foundation." Chelsea, currently sitting fourth in the Premier League, are scheduled to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a lunchtime fixture. Tensions Following Previous Comments Maresca's most recent statement come in the wake of he referred to a previous two-day spell as his most difficult since joining Chelsea. Those original words had fueled widespread talk of a possible disagreement between the manager and the club's ownership hierarchy. When asked if he had discussed matters with the Chelsea's sporting directors, Maresca replied, "We are in the same facility, so we talk about different things. But about the Everton media session, no." The manager however affirmed he would "absolutely" stay at the club next season and urged supporters to keep backing the team". In more positive news, Maresca indicated that injured forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back ahead of schedule, possibly available for a fixture against Aston Villa later this month. Perspective: An 'Open Wound' The apparent 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 resolution offered, creating the matter unresolved. The atmosphere during the manager's press conferences has grown increasingly awkward, raising concerns it could impact what has otherwise been a decent start to the season. Chelsea's on-field position is strong: they are fourth in the league, have qualified for the League Cup semi-finals, and can secure a favourable Champions League position with good results in their final games. The prevailing question is whether this behind-the-scenes dynamic might begin to affect a team that was beginning to look cohesive.