🔗 Share this article Chelsea Manager Maresca Rejects Man City Links as '100%' Gossip Enzo Maresca previously worked as an coach to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has labelled fresh talk 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 in Manchester, addressed the ongoing speculation about his future. Maresca, named Chelsea manager in June 2024, has a contract that runs through the end of the decade, with a possible extension option. "It doesn't bother me at all because I know that is 100% speculation," Maresca said. "And at this moment, there is no time for these kind of things." He further elaborated, Primarily, because I have a contract here for several more years. 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 rumour. One week ago I was connected to a role in Italy with Juventus. So I ignore it because I know that is not true." Chelsea, currently sitting fourth in the top flight, are set to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a 12:30 GMT fixture. Strain After Previous Comments Maresca's latest comments follow after he referred to a previous 48-hour period as his "worst" since arriving at Chelsea. Those initial words had fueled widespread 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 sporting directors, Maresca replied, "We are in the same facility, so we speak about different things. But about the post-Everton press conference, no." The manager however affirmed he would "absolutely" remain at the club for the coming campaign and urged the fans to keep backing the team". In more positive news, Maresca indicated that sidelined forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back sooner than expected, potentially available for a match against Aston Villa on 27 December. Analysis: An 'Open Wound' The apparent disconnect between Maresca and the Chelsea board persists as an open wound that still cause concern. While there has been no deepening of the matter in the open, there has also been no resolution forthcoming, creating the matter unresolved. The atmosphere during these press conferences has become increasingly awkward, raising concerns it could impact what has up to now been a promising start to the campaign. Chelsea's on-field situation is strong: they are in the top four in the league, have reached the Carabao Cup semi-finals, and can secure a better Champions League draw with strong results in their remaining matches. The lingering uncertainty is whether this behind-the-scenes dynamic might begin to disrupt a team that was beginning to look settled.
Enzo Maresca previously worked as an coach to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has labelled fresh talk 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 in Manchester, addressed the ongoing speculation about his future. Maresca, named Chelsea manager in June 2024, has a contract that runs through the end of the decade, with a possible extension option. "It doesn't bother me at all because I know that is 100% speculation," Maresca said. "And at this moment, there is no time for these kind of things." He further elaborated, Primarily, because I have a contract here for several more years. 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 rumour. One week ago I was connected to a role in Italy with Juventus. So I ignore it because I know that is not true." Chelsea, currently sitting fourth in the top flight, are set to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a 12:30 GMT fixture. Strain After Previous Comments Maresca's latest comments follow after he referred to a previous 48-hour period as his "worst" since arriving at Chelsea. Those initial words had fueled widespread 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 sporting directors, Maresca replied, "We are in the same facility, so we speak about different things. But about the post-Everton press conference, no." The manager however affirmed he would "absolutely" remain at the club for the coming campaign and urged the fans to keep backing the team". In more positive news, Maresca indicated that sidelined forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back sooner than expected, potentially available for a match against Aston Villa on 27 December. Analysis: An 'Open Wound' The apparent disconnect between Maresca and the Chelsea board persists as an open wound that still cause concern. While there has been no deepening of the matter in the open, there has also been no resolution forthcoming, creating the matter unresolved. The atmosphere during these press conferences has become increasingly awkward, raising concerns it could impact what has up to now been a promising start to the campaign. Chelsea's on-field situation is strong: they are in the top four in the league, have reached the Carabao Cup semi-finals, and can secure a better Champions League draw with strong results in their remaining matches. The lingering uncertainty is whether this behind-the-scenes dynamic might begin to disrupt a team that was beginning to look settled.