🔗 Share this article Blues Boss Maresca Dismisses Man City Links as Pure Rumour Enzo Maresca was once an assistant to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has labelled fresh reports connecting him with a return to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay. The 45-year-old, who once served as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man in Manchester, responded to the persistent speculation surrounding his future. Maresca, appointed Chelsea boss in the summer of 2024, is under contract running through the end of the decade, with a potential extension available. "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 these kind of things." He further elaborated, Primarily, because I have a contract here until 2029. 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 connected to a role in Italy with Juventus. So I don't pay attention because I know that is not true." 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 After Recent Comments Maresca's latest statement come after he described a recent 48-hour period as his most difficult since arriving at Chelsea. Those initial remarks had sparked widespread 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 sporting directors, Maresca replied, "We are in the same building, so we talk about various topics. But about the post-Everton press conference, no." The manager did confirm he would "absolutely" remain at the club next season and urged supporters to "continue to support the team". In more positive news, Maresca revealed that sidelined forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return sooner than expected, possibly available for a fixture against Aston Villa on 27 December. Perspective: An 'Open Wound' The perceived strain between Maresca and the Chelsea board persists as an unhealed issue that continues to cause concern. While there has been no further escalation of the situation publicly, there has also been no resolution offered, leaving the matter unaddressed. The atmosphere during these press conferences has become notably strained, leading to fears it could undermine what has otherwise been a promising start to the season. Chelsea's on-field position is positive: they are fourth in the league, have qualified for the Carabao Cup semi-finals, and can secure a favourable European draw with good performances in their final games. The lingering question is whether this behind-the-scenes dynamic might eventually disrupt a squad that was beginning to look cohesive.
Enzo Maresca was once an assistant to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has labelled fresh reports connecting him with a return to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay. The 45-year-old, who once served as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man in Manchester, responded to the persistent speculation surrounding his future. Maresca, appointed Chelsea boss in the summer of 2024, is under contract running through the end of the decade, with a potential extension available. "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 these kind of things." He further elaborated, Primarily, because I have a contract here until 2029. 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 connected to a role in Italy with Juventus. So I don't pay attention because I know that is not true." 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 After Recent Comments Maresca's latest statement come after he described a recent 48-hour period as his most difficult since arriving at Chelsea. Those initial remarks had sparked widespread 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 sporting directors, Maresca replied, "We are in the same building, so we talk about various topics. But about the post-Everton press conference, no." The manager did confirm he would "absolutely" remain at the club next season and urged supporters to "continue to support the team". In more positive news, Maresca revealed that sidelined forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return sooner than expected, possibly available for a fixture against Aston Villa on 27 December. Perspective: An 'Open Wound' The perceived strain between Maresca and the Chelsea board persists as an unhealed issue that continues to cause concern. While there has been no further escalation of the situation publicly, there has also been no resolution offered, leaving the matter unaddressed. The atmosphere during these press conferences has become notably strained, leading to fears it could undermine what has otherwise been a promising start to the season. Chelsea's on-field position is positive: they are fourth in the league, have qualified for the Carabao Cup semi-finals, and can secure a favourable European draw with good performances in their final games. The lingering question is whether this behind-the-scenes dynamic might eventually disrupt a squad that was beginning to look cohesive.