🔗 Share this article Blues Boss Maresca Rejects Manchester City Links as '100%' Rumour Enzo Maresca was once an coach to Pep Guardiola with Manchester City. Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has branded fresh reports connecting him with a return to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay. The 45-year-old, who once served as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man at the Etihad, responded to the ongoing rumours about his next move. Maresca, appointed Chelsea boss in June 2024, is under contract running through the end of the decade, with a possible extension option. "It doesn't bother me at all because I know that is completely unfounded," Maresca stated. "And at this moment, there is no time for these kind of things." He further elaborated, Primarily, because I have a contract here for several more years. And my attention, I said many times, is just about this club and I'm very proud to be here. But again, it's rumour. One week ago I was linked with a role in Italy with Juventus. So I ignore it because I know that is not true." Chelsea, presently placed fourth in the top flight, are scheduled to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a lunchtime fixture. Tensions Following Previous Remarks Maresca's latest comments follow in the wake of he described a recent two-day spell as his "worst" since joining Chelsea. Those original remarks had fueled widespread speculation of a potential disagreement between the coach and the club's key decision-makers. When asked if he had discussed matters with the Chelsea's sporting directors, Maresca responded, "We are in the same facility, so we speak about different things. But about the Everton press conference, no." The Italian however affirmed he would "absolutely" remain at the club for the coming campaign and urged the fans to keep backing the team". In brighter news, Maresca indicated that sidelined forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back ahead of schedule, potentially available for a match against Aston Villa later this month. Perspective: Unresolved Tension The apparent strain between Maresca and the Chelsea board remains as an open wound that continues to cause concern. While there has been no deepening of the matter in the open, there has also been no apology forthcoming, creating the matter unresolved. The mood during the manager's press conferences has become notably strained, raising fears it could impact what has up to now been a decent start to the campaign. Chelsea's sporting position is strong: they are fourth in the Premier League, have qualified for the League Cup semi-finals, and can achieve a better Champions League draw with good results in their final games. The lingering uncertainty is whether this off-field dynamic might eventually affect a team that was beginning to look settled.
Enzo Maresca was once an coach to Pep Guardiola with Manchester City. Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has branded fresh reports connecting him with a return to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay. The 45-year-old, who once served as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man at the Etihad, responded to the ongoing rumours about his next move. Maresca, appointed Chelsea boss in June 2024, is under contract running through the end of the decade, with a possible extension option. "It doesn't bother me at all because I know that is completely unfounded," Maresca stated. "And at this moment, there is no time for these kind of things." He further elaborated, Primarily, because I have a contract here for several more years. And my attention, I said many times, is just about this club and I'm very proud to be here. But again, it's rumour. One week ago I was linked with a role in Italy with Juventus. So I ignore it because I know that is not true." Chelsea, presently placed fourth in the top flight, are scheduled to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a lunchtime fixture. Tensions Following Previous Remarks Maresca's latest comments follow in the wake of he described a recent two-day spell as his "worst" since joining Chelsea. Those original remarks had fueled widespread speculation of a potential disagreement between the coach and the club's key decision-makers. When asked if he had discussed matters with the Chelsea's sporting directors, Maresca responded, "We are in the same facility, so we speak about different things. But about the Everton press conference, no." The Italian however affirmed he would "absolutely" remain at the club for the coming campaign and urged the fans to keep backing the team". In brighter news, Maresca indicated that sidelined forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back ahead of schedule, potentially available for a match against Aston Villa later this month. Perspective: Unresolved Tension The apparent strain between Maresca and the Chelsea board remains as an open wound that continues to cause concern. While there has been no deepening of the matter in the open, there has also been no apology forthcoming, creating the matter unresolved. The mood during the manager's press conferences has become notably strained, raising fears it could impact what has up to now been a decent start to the campaign. Chelsea's sporting position is strong: they are fourth in the Premier League, have qualified for the League Cup semi-finals, and can achieve a better Champions League draw with good results in their final games. The lingering uncertainty is whether this off-field dynamic might eventually affect a team that was beginning to look settled.