🔗 Share this article Chelsea Boss Maresca Rejects Manchester City Speculation as Pure Rumour Enzo Maresca was once an assistant to Pep Guardiola with Manchester City. Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has labelled recent 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 at the Etihad, addressed the ongoing rumours surrounding his future. Maresca, named Chelsea boss in the summer of 2024, is under contract running until 2029, with a possible extra year option. "It doesn't bother me at all because I know that is completely unfounded," Maresca said. "And at this moment, there is no time for such distractions." He went on to explain, "First of all, because I have a contract here for several more years. And my focus, I have stated many times, is just about this club and I'm very proud 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 fourth in the top flight, are scheduled to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a lunchtime fixture. Tensions Following Recent Comments Maresca's latest statement come in the wake of he described a recent 48-hour period as his most difficult since arriving at Chelsea. Those initial remarks had sparked widespread talk of a potential rift between the coach and the club's key decision-makers. When asked if he had since spoken with the Chelsea's sporting directors, Maresca replied, "We are in the same facility, so we talk about various topics. But about the post-Everton media session, no." The manager however affirmed he would "absolutely" remain at the club for the coming campaign and urged supporters to keep backing the team". In more positive news, Maresca indicated that sidelined attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return sooner than expected, potentially available for a fixture against Aston Villa on 27 December. Analysis: An 'Open Wound' The apparent strain between Maresca and the Chelsea board remains as an unhealed issue that continues to cause concern. While there has been no further escalation of the situation in the open, there has also been no apology offered, creating the matter unaddressed. The atmosphere during the manager's media briefings has grown notably awkward, leading to concerns it could undermine what has otherwise been a decent start to the campaign. Chelsea's sporting situation is strong: they are fourth in the league, have reached the League Cup semi-finals, and can achieve a favourable European position with good performances in their remaining matches. The lingering uncertainty is whether this behind-the-scenes dynamic might eventually disrupt a squad that was just starting to look settled.
Enzo Maresca was once an assistant to Pep Guardiola with Manchester City. Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has labelled recent 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 at the Etihad, addressed the ongoing rumours surrounding his future. Maresca, named Chelsea boss in the summer of 2024, is under contract running until 2029, with a possible extra year option. "It doesn't bother me at all because I know that is completely unfounded," Maresca said. "And at this moment, there is no time for such distractions." He went on to explain, "First of all, because I have a contract here for several more years. And my focus, I have stated many times, is just about this club and I'm very proud 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 fourth in the top flight, are scheduled to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a lunchtime fixture. Tensions Following Recent Comments Maresca's latest statement come in the wake of he described a recent 48-hour period as his most difficult since arriving at Chelsea. Those initial remarks had sparked widespread talk of a potential rift between the coach and the club's key decision-makers. When asked if he had since spoken with the Chelsea's sporting directors, Maresca replied, "We are in the same facility, so we talk about various topics. But about the post-Everton media session, no." The manager however affirmed he would "absolutely" remain at the club for the coming campaign and urged supporters to keep backing the team". In more positive news, Maresca indicated that sidelined attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return sooner than expected, potentially available for a fixture against Aston Villa on 27 December. Analysis: An 'Open Wound' The apparent strain between Maresca and the Chelsea board remains as an unhealed issue that continues to cause concern. While there has been no further escalation of the situation in the open, there has also been no apology offered, creating the matter unaddressed. The atmosphere during the manager's media briefings has grown notably awkward, leading to concerns it could undermine what has otherwise been a decent start to the campaign. Chelsea's sporting situation is strong: they are fourth in the league, have reached the League Cup semi-finals, and can achieve a favourable European position with good performances in their remaining matches. The lingering uncertainty is whether this behind-the-scenes dynamic might eventually disrupt a squad that was just starting to look settled.