🔗 Share this article Blues Manager Maresca Dismisses Manchester City Speculation as Pure Rumour Enzo Maresca was once an assistant to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has branded fresh reports connecting him with a move to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay. The Italian manager, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's assistant at the Etihad, addressed the ongoing rumours about his future. Maresca, named Chelsea manager in June 2024, has a contract that runs until 2029, with a potential extension option. "It doesn't bother me at all because I know that is 100% speculation," Maresca stated. "And at this moment, there is no time for such distractions." He further elaborated, "First of all, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my attention, I have stated 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 without foundation." Chelsea, currently sitting fourth in the Premier League, are scheduled to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a lunchtime fixture. Tensions Following Recent Remarks Maresca's latest comments follow in the wake of he referred to a previous 48-hour period as his most difficult since joining Chelsea. Those initial remarks had fueled considerable talk of a potential disagreement 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 facility, so we speak about different things. But about the Everton press conference, no." The manager did confirm he would definitely stay at the club next season and called on supporters to "continue to support the team". In brighter news, Maresca revealed that injured forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back sooner than expected, possibly in contention for a match against Aston Villa later this month. Analysis: An 'Open Wound' The apparent strain between Maresca and the Chelsea board persists as an unhealed issue that still cause concern. While there has been no further escalation of the situation in the open, there has equally been no apology forthcoming, creating the matter unaddressed. The atmosphere during these press conferences has become increasingly awkward, leading to fears it could undermine what has up to now been a promising beginning to the season. Chelsea's sporting position is positive: they are fourth in the league, have reached the Carabao Cup semi-finals, and can secure a favourable Champions League draw with strong results in their final games. The lingering question is whether this off-field dynamic might begin to affect a team that was beginning to look settled.
Enzo Maresca was once an assistant to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has branded fresh reports connecting him with a move to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay. The Italian manager, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's assistant at the Etihad, addressed the ongoing rumours about his future. Maresca, named Chelsea manager in June 2024, has a contract that runs until 2029, with a potential extension option. "It doesn't bother me at all because I know that is 100% speculation," Maresca stated. "And at this moment, there is no time for such distractions." He further elaborated, "First of all, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my attention, I have stated 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 without foundation." Chelsea, currently sitting fourth in the Premier League, are scheduled to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a lunchtime fixture. Tensions Following Recent Remarks Maresca's latest comments follow in the wake of he referred to a previous 48-hour period as his most difficult since joining Chelsea. Those initial remarks had fueled considerable talk of a potential disagreement 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 facility, so we speak about different things. But about the Everton press conference, no." The manager did confirm he would definitely stay at the club next season and called on supporters to "continue to support the team". In brighter news, Maresca revealed that injured forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back sooner than expected, possibly in contention for a match against Aston Villa later this month. Analysis: An 'Open Wound' The apparent strain between Maresca and the Chelsea board persists as an unhealed issue that still cause concern. While there has been no further escalation of the situation in the open, there has equally been no apology forthcoming, creating the matter unaddressed. The atmosphere during these press conferences has become increasingly awkward, leading to fears it could undermine what has up to now been a promising beginning to the season. Chelsea's sporting position is positive: they are fourth in the league, have reached the Carabao Cup semi-finals, and can secure a favourable Champions League draw with strong results in their final games. The lingering question is whether this off-field dynamic might begin to affect a team that was beginning to look settled.