🔗 Share this article Chelsea Boss Maresca Dismisses Man City Links as '100%' Rumour Enzo Maresca was once an coach to Pep Guardiola with Manchester City. Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has labelled fresh talk linking him with a return to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay. The 45-year-old, who once served as Pep Guardiola's assistant in Manchester, addressed the persistent speculation about his future. Maresca, appointed Chelsea manager in June 2024, is under contract running through the end of the decade, with a possible extra year available. "It doesn't affect me at all because I know that is 100% speculation," Maresca stated. "And at this moment, there is little room for these kind of things." He went on to explain, "First of all, 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 linked with a role in Italy with Juventus. So I don't pay attention because I know that is without foundation." Chelsea, presently placed in fourth position in the Premier League, are set to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a 12:30 GMT kick-off. Strain After Recent Remarks Maresca's most recent comments come in the wake of he referred to a recent 48-hour period as his "worst" since arriving at Chelsea. Those initial remarks had fueled considerable speculation of a potential rift between the manager and the club's key decision-makers. When asked if he had discussed matters with the Chelsea's sporting directors, Maresca replied, "We are in the same facility, so we talk about various topics. But about the Everton press conference, no." The manager did confirm he would "absolutely" stay at the club next season and called on the fans to keep backing the team". In brighter news, Maresca indicated that sidelined attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back 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 club's hierarchy persists as an open wound that still cause concern. While there has been no deepening of the matter in the open, there has equally been no apology offered, leaving the disagreement unresolved. The mood during these media briefings has grown notably strained, raising concerns it could impact what has otherwise been a decent beginning to the campaign. Chelsea's on-field position is positive: they are in the top four in the Premier League, have qualified for the Carabao Cup last four, and can achieve a better European position with strong results in their remaining games. The lingering question is whether this behind-the-scenes dynamic might eventually affect a squad that was beginning to look settled.
Enzo Maresca was once an coach to Pep Guardiola with Manchester City. Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has labelled fresh talk linking him with a return to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay. The 45-year-old, who once served as Pep Guardiola's assistant in Manchester, addressed the persistent speculation about his future. Maresca, appointed Chelsea manager in June 2024, is under contract running through the end of the decade, with a possible extra year available. "It doesn't affect me at all because I know that is 100% speculation," Maresca stated. "And at this moment, there is little room for these kind of things." He went on to explain, "First of all, 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 linked with a role in Italy with Juventus. So I don't pay attention because I know that is without foundation." Chelsea, presently placed in fourth position in the Premier League, are set to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a 12:30 GMT kick-off. Strain After Recent Remarks Maresca's most recent comments come in the wake of he referred to a recent 48-hour period as his "worst" since arriving at Chelsea. Those initial remarks had fueled considerable speculation of a potential rift between the manager and the club's key decision-makers. When asked if he had discussed matters with the Chelsea's sporting directors, Maresca replied, "We are in the same facility, so we talk about various topics. But about the Everton press conference, no." The manager did confirm he would "absolutely" stay at the club next season and called on the fans to keep backing the team". In brighter news, Maresca indicated that sidelined attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back 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 club's hierarchy persists as an open wound that still cause concern. While there has been no deepening of the matter in the open, there has equally been no apology offered, leaving the disagreement unresolved. The mood during these media briefings has grown notably strained, raising concerns it could impact what has otherwise been a decent beginning to the campaign. Chelsea's on-field position is positive: they are in the top four in the Premier League, have qualified for the Carabao Cup last four, and can achieve a better European position with strong results in their remaining games. The lingering question is whether this behind-the-scenes dynamic might eventually affect a squad that was beginning to look settled.