🔗 Share this article Blues Boss Maresca Dismisses Man City Links as '100%' Gossip Enzo Maresca was once an assistant to Pep Guardiola with Manchester City. Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has branded recent talk linking 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 ongoing speculation about his next move. Maresca, named Chelsea boss in the summer of 2024, is under contract running through the end of the decade, with a potential extension option. "It doesn't bother me at all because I know that is 100% speculation," Maresca said. "And at this moment, there is little room for such distractions." He further elaborated, "First of all, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my focus, I said many times, is solely on 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 ignore it because I know that is without foundation." Chelsea, currently sitting in fourth position in the Premier League, are set to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a lunchtime kick-off. Strain After Recent Comments Maresca's most recent statement follow after he referred to a recent two-day spell as his most difficult since arriving at Chelsea. Those initial words had fueled considerable speculation of a possible disagreement between the coach and the club's key decision-makers. When pressed if he had since spoken with the club's sporting directors, Maresca responded, "We are in the same facility, so we talk about various topics. But about the Everton press conference, no." The manager however affirmed he would "absolutely" remain at the club for the coming campaign and called on the fans to keep backing the team". In brighter news, Maresca revealed that injured attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return ahead of schedule, potentially available for a match against Aston Villa later this month. Perspective: An 'Open Wound' The perceived disconnect between Maresca and the Chelsea board persists as an unhealed issue that still cause concern. While there has been no further escalation of the situation in the open, there has equally been no resolution offered, creating the disagreement unaddressed. The atmosphere during the manager's press conferences has become notably strained, raising fears it could undermine what has up to now been a decent beginning to the campaign. Chelsea's on-field position is strong: they are fourth in the league, have qualified for the Carabao Cup semi-finals, and can achieve a better European position with strong results in their remaining matches. The prevailing uncertainty is whether this off-field situation might eventually affect a squad that was just starting to appear cohesive.
Enzo Maresca was once an assistant to Pep Guardiola with Manchester City. Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has branded recent talk linking 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 ongoing speculation about his next move. Maresca, named Chelsea boss in the summer of 2024, is under contract running through the end of the decade, with a potential extension option. "It doesn't bother me at all because I know that is 100% speculation," Maresca said. "And at this moment, there is little room for such distractions." He further elaborated, "First of all, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my focus, I said many times, is solely on 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 ignore it because I know that is without foundation." Chelsea, currently sitting in fourth position in the Premier League, are set to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a lunchtime kick-off. Strain After Recent Comments Maresca's most recent statement follow after he referred to a recent two-day spell as his most difficult since arriving at Chelsea. Those initial words had fueled considerable speculation of a possible disagreement between the coach and the club's key decision-makers. When pressed if he had since spoken with the club's sporting directors, Maresca responded, "We are in the same facility, so we talk about various topics. But about the Everton press conference, no." The manager however affirmed he would "absolutely" remain at the club for the coming campaign and called on the fans to keep backing the team". In brighter news, Maresca revealed that injured attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return ahead of schedule, potentially available for a match against Aston Villa later this month. Perspective: An 'Open Wound' The perceived disconnect between Maresca and the Chelsea board persists as an unhealed issue that still cause concern. While there has been no further escalation of the situation in the open, there has equally been no resolution offered, creating the disagreement unaddressed. The atmosphere during the manager's press conferences has become notably strained, raising fears it could undermine what has up to now been a decent beginning to the campaign. Chelsea's on-field position is strong: they are fourth in the league, have qualified for the Carabao Cup semi-finals, and can achieve a better European position with strong results in their remaining matches. The prevailing uncertainty is whether this off-field situation might eventually affect a squad that was just starting to appear cohesive.