π Share this article Blues Manager Maresca Rejects Man City Speculation as Pure Rumour Enzo Maresca previously worked as an coach to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. Chelsea head coach 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 right-hand man at the Etihad, responded to the persistent speculation about his next move. Maresca, named Chelsea manager in June 2024, is under contract that runs until 2029, with a potential 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 no time for these kind of things." He went on to explain, Primarily, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my attention, I have stated many times, is solely on this club and I'm very proud to be here. But again, it's speculation. One week ago I was linked with Juventus in Italy. So I ignore it because I know that is not true." Chelsea, currently sitting fourth in the top flight, are scheduled to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a lunchtime kick-off. Strain After Recent Remarks Maresca's most recent comments follow in the wake of he described a previous two-day spell as his most difficult since arriving at Chelsea. Those original words had sparked considerable talk of a potential rift between the manager and the club's ownership hierarchy. When pressed if he had since spoken with the club's leadership, Maresca replied, "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 next season and called on supporters 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, potentially in contention for a match against Aston Villa later this month. Analysis: An 'Open Wound' The apparent disconnect between Maresca and the club's hierarchy remains as an open wound that continues to create unease. While there has been no further escalation of the matter publicly, there has equally been no resolution offered, leaving the disagreement unresolved. The atmosphere during these media briefings has grown notably awkward, leading to fears it could undermine what has up to now been a decent start to the season. Chelsea's sporting situation is strong: they are fourth in the league, have reached the Carabao Cup last four, and can secure a favourable Champions League draw with strong results in their remaining matches. The prevailing question is whether this behind-the-scenes situation might begin to disrupt a team that was just starting to look cohesive.
Enzo Maresca previously worked as an coach to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. Chelsea head coach 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 right-hand man at the Etihad, responded to the persistent speculation about his next move. Maresca, named Chelsea manager in June 2024, is under contract that runs until 2029, with a potential 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 no time for these kind of things." He went on to explain, Primarily, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my attention, I have stated many times, is solely on this club and I'm very proud to be here. But again, it's speculation. One week ago I was linked with Juventus in Italy. So I ignore it because I know that is not true." Chelsea, currently sitting fourth in the top flight, are scheduled to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a lunchtime kick-off. Strain After Recent Remarks Maresca's most recent comments follow in the wake of he described a previous two-day spell as his most difficult since arriving at Chelsea. Those original words had sparked considerable talk of a potential rift between the manager and the club's ownership hierarchy. When pressed if he had since spoken with the club's leadership, Maresca replied, "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 next season and called on supporters 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, potentially in contention for a match against Aston Villa later this month. Analysis: An 'Open Wound' The apparent disconnect between Maresca and the club's hierarchy remains as an open wound that continues to create unease. While there has been no further escalation of the matter publicly, there has equally been no resolution offered, leaving the disagreement unresolved. The atmosphere during these media briefings has grown notably awkward, leading to fears it could undermine what has up to now been a decent start to the season. Chelsea's sporting situation is strong: they are fourth in the league, have reached the Carabao Cup last four, and can secure a favourable Champions League draw with strong results in their remaining matches. The prevailing question is whether this behind-the-scenes situation might begin to disrupt a team that was just starting to look cohesive.