🔗 Share this article Chelsea Boss Maresca Dismisses Manchester City Links as Pure Rumour Enzo Maresca was once an coach to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has labelled fresh reports connecting him with a move to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay. The Italian manager, who once served as Pep Guardiola's assistant at the Etihad, addressed the persistent rumours surrounding his future. Maresca, appointed Chelsea boss in June 2024, is under contract that runs through the end of the decade, with a possible extra year option. "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 such distractions." He went on to explain, 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 honoured to be here. But again, it's rumour. One week ago I was linked with Juventus in Italy. So I don't pay attention because I know that is not true." Chelsea, presently placed in fourth position in the top flight, are scheduled to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a 12:30 GMT kick-off. Tensions Following Previous Remarks Maresca's latest statement follow after he referred to a recent two-day spell as his "worst" since arriving at Chelsea. Those initial words had fueled widespread talk of a possible disagreement between the coach and the club's ownership hierarchy. When pressed if he had since spoken with the Chelsea's leadership, Maresca responded, "We are in the same facility, so we speak about various topics. But about the post-Everton press conference, no." The Italian however affirmed he would definitely remain at the club for the coming campaign and urged the fans to keep backing the team". In more positive news, Maresca revealed that sidelined forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return sooner than expected, possibly in contention for a fixture against Aston Villa on 27 December. Perspective: An 'Open Wound' The apparent strain between Maresca and the Chelsea board remains as an unhealed issue that continues to cause concern. While there has been no further escalation of the matter in the open, there has equally been no resolution offered, leaving the matter unresolved. The atmosphere during the manager's media briefings has grown increasingly strained, raising concerns it could undermine what has otherwise been a promising start to the season. Chelsea's sporting situation is positive: they are in the top four in the Premier League, have qualified for the Carabao Cup last four, and can secure a favourable Champions League position with strong performances in their remaining matches. The lingering uncertainty is whether this behind-the-scenes dynamic might eventually affect a squad that was beginning to appear settled.
Enzo Maresca was once an coach to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has labelled fresh reports connecting him with a move to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay. The Italian manager, who once served as Pep Guardiola's assistant at the Etihad, addressed the persistent rumours surrounding his future. Maresca, appointed Chelsea boss in June 2024, is under contract that runs through the end of the decade, with a possible extra year option. "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 such distractions." He went on to explain, 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 honoured to be here. But again, it's rumour. One week ago I was linked with Juventus in Italy. So I don't pay attention because I know that is not true." Chelsea, presently placed in fourth position in the top flight, are scheduled to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a 12:30 GMT kick-off. Tensions Following Previous Remarks Maresca's latest statement follow after he referred to a recent two-day spell as his "worst" since arriving at Chelsea. Those initial words had fueled widespread talk of a possible disagreement between the coach and the club's ownership hierarchy. When pressed if he had since spoken with the Chelsea's leadership, Maresca responded, "We are in the same facility, so we speak about various topics. But about the post-Everton press conference, no." The Italian however affirmed he would definitely remain at the club for the coming campaign and urged the fans to keep backing the team". In more positive news, Maresca revealed that sidelined forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return sooner than expected, possibly in contention for a fixture against Aston Villa on 27 December. Perspective: An 'Open Wound' The apparent strain between Maresca and the Chelsea board remains as an unhealed issue that continues to cause concern. While there has been no further escalation of the matter in the open, there has equally been no resolution offered, leaving the matter unresolved. The atmosphere during the manager's media briefings has grown increasingly strained, raising concerns it could undermine what has otherwise been a promising start to the season. Chelsea's sporting situation is positive: they are in the top four in the Premier League, have qualified for the Carabao Cup last four, and can secure a favourable Champions League position with strong performances in their remaining matches. The lingering uncertainty is whether this behind-the-scenes dynamic might eventually affect a squad that was beginning to appear settled.