🔗 Share this article Blues Manager Maresca Dismisses Man City Links as Pure Rumour Enzo Maresca was once an coach to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has branded fresh reports linking him with a return to Manchester City as "100% speculation". The Italian manager, who once served as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man at the Etihad, addressed the ongoing speculation about his future. Maresca, appointed Chelsea manager in June 2024, has a contract that runs until 2029, with a possible extra year available. "It doesn't bother me at all because I know that is completely unfounded," Maresca said. "And at this moment, there is no time for these kind of things." He further elaborated, "First of all, because I have a contract here for several more years. And my focus, I have stated many times, is just about this club and I'm very proud to be here. But again, it's speculation. 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, currently sitting in fourth position in the top flight, are scheduled to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a 12:30 GMT kick-off. Tensions Following Previous Comments Maresca's latest comments come after he described a recent 48-hour period as his "worst" since joining Chelsea. Those initial remarks had sparked considerable speculation of a possible disagreement between the manager and the club's ownership hierarchy. When asked 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 Everton media session, no." The Italian did confirm he would definitely remain at the club next season and called on the fans to keep backing the team". In more positive news, Maresca revealed that injured forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return sooner than expected, possibly available 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 open wound that continues to cause concern. While there has been no deepening of the matter in the open, there has equally been no resolution forthcoming, leaving the matter unaddressed. The atmosphere during these press conferences has grown increasingly awkward, raising fears it could undermine what has otherwise been a promising start to the season. Chelsea's on-field position is strong: they are fourth in the Premier League, have reached the League Cup semi-finals, and can secure a favourable European draw with good performances in their final games. The prevailing question is whether this behind-the-scenes situation might begin to affect 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 branded fresh reports linking him with a return to Manchester City as "100% speculation". The Italian manager, who once served as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man at the Etihad, addressed the ongoing speculation about his future. Maresca, appointed Chelsea manager in June 2024, has a contract that runs until 2029, with a possible extra year available. "It doesn't bother me at all because I know that is completely unfounded," Maresca said. "And at this moment, there is no time for these kind of things." He further elaborated, "First of all, because I have a contract here for several more years. And my focus, I have stated many times, is just about this club and I'm very proud to be here. But again, it's speculation. 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, currently sitting in fourth position in the top flight, are scheduled to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a 12:30 GMT kick-off. Tensions Following Previous Comments Maresca's latest comments come after he described a recent 48-hour period as his "worst" since joining Chelsea. Those initial remarks had sparked considerable speculation of a possible disagreement between the manager and the club's ownership hierarchy. When asked 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 Everton media session, no." The Italian did confirm he would definitely remain at the club next season and called on the fans to keep backing the team". In more positive news, Maresca revealed that injured forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return sooner than expected, possibly available 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 open wound that continues to cause concern. While there has been no deepening of the matter in the open, there has equally been no resolution forthcoming, leaving the matter unaddressed. The atmosphere during these press conferences has grown increasingly awkward, raising fears it could undermine what has otherwise been a promising start to the season. Chelsea's on-field position is strong: they are fourth in the Premier League, have reached the League Cup semi-finals, and can secure a favourable European draw with good performances in their final games. The prevailing question is whether this behind-the-scenes situation might begin to affect a squad that was beginning to appear cohesive.