🔗 Share this article Blues Manager Maresca Dismisses Manchester City Speculation as '100%' Rumour Enzo Maresca previously worked as an assistant to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has branded recent talk connecting him with a return to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay. The 45-year-old, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's assistant in Manchester, addressed the ongoing rumours about his future. Maresca, appointed 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 these kind of things." He further elaborated, Primarily, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my focus, 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 Juventus in Italy. So I ignore it because I know that is without foundation." Chelsea, presently placed in fourth position in the top flight, are set to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a 12:30 GMT fixture. Strain Following Recent Comments Maresca's latest comments come after he referred to a recent 48-hour period as his most difficult since joining Chelsea. Those initial remarks had fueled considerable speculation of a possible rift between the manager and the club's key decision-makers. When pressed if he had discussed matters with the Chelsea's leadership, Maresca replied, "We are in the same building, so we talk about various topics. But about the post-Everton press conference, no." The manager however affirmed he would "absolutely" remain at the club next season and urged the fans 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 available for a match against Aston Villa later this month. Analysis: Unresolved Tension The apparent disconnect between Maresca and the club's hierarchy persists as an unhealed issue that continues to create unease. While there has been no further escalation of the matter publicly, there has equally been no resolution forthcoming, creating the disagreement unaddressed. The mood during the manager's press conferences has grown notably strained, raising fears it could undermine what has otherwise been a promising start to the campaign. Chelsea's on-field position is positive: they are fourth in the league, have reached the League Cup semi-finals, and can secure a favourable Champions League draw with good results in their final games. The prevailing question is whether this behind-the-scenes situation might begin to disrupt a squad that was beginning to appear cohesive.
Enzo Maresca previously worked as an assistant to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has branded recent talk connecting him with a return to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay. The 45-year-old, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's assistant in Manchester, addressed the ongoing rumours about his future. Maresca, appointed 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 these kind of things." He further elaborated, Primarily, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my focus, 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 Juventus in Italy. So I ignore it because I know that is without foundation." Chelsea, presently placed in fourth position in the top flight, are set to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a 12:30 GMT fixture. Strain Following Recent Comments Maresca's latest comments come after he referred to a recent 48-hour period as his most difficult since joining Chelsea. Those initial remarks had fueled considerable speculation of a possible rift between the manager and the club's key decision-makers. When pressed if he had discussed matters with the Chelsea's leadership, Maresca replied, "We are in the same building, so we talk about various topics. But about the post-Everton press conference, no." The manager however affirmed he would "absolutely" remain at the club next season and urged the fans 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 available for a match against Aston Villa later this month. Analysis: Unresolved Tension The apparent disconnect between Maresca and the club's hierarchy persists as an unhealed issue that continues to create unease. While there has been no further escalation of the matter publicly, there has equally been no resolution forthcoming, creating the disagreement unaddressed. The mood during the manager's press conferences has grown notably strained, raising fears it could undermine what has otherwise been a promising start to the campaign. Chelsea's on-field position is positive: they are fourth in the league, have reached the League Cup semi-finals, and can secure a favourable Champions League draw with good results in their final games. The prevailing question is whether this behind-the-scenes situation might begin to disrupt a squad that was beginning to appear cohesive.