đź”— Share this article Chelsea Boss Maresca Rejects Man City Links as Pure Gossip Enzo Maresca previously worked as an assistant to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has labelled recent reports linking him with a move to Manchester City as "100% speculation". The 45-year-old, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man in Manchester, addressed the persistent rumours about his next move. Maresca, named Chelsea manager 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 stated. "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 until 2029. And my attention, I said 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 linked with Juventus in Italy. So I ignore it because I know that is without foundation." Chelsea, currently sitting fourth in the top flight, are set to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a lunchtime kick-off. Tensions Following Recent Comments Maresca's latest comments come in the wake of he referred to a recent 48-hour period as his most difficult since arriving at Chelsea. Those original words had fueled widespread speculation of a potential rift between the manager and the club's key decision-makers. When asked if he had since spoken with the club's leadership, Maresca responded, "We are in the same building, so we speak about various topics. But about the Everton press conference, no." The Italian did confirm he would "absolutely" remain at the club next season and urged the fans to "continue to support the team". In brighter news, Maresca revealed that injured forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return sooner than expected, possibly in contention for a match against Aston Villa later this month. Analysis: An 'Open Wound' The perceived strain between Maresca and the club's hierarchy persists as an open wound that continues to create unease. While there has been no deepening of the matter publicly, there has also been no resolution offered, leaving the matter unresolved. The mood during these media briefings has become increasingly awkward, leading to concerns it could undermine what has up to now been a decent beginning to the season. Chelsea's on-field situation is strong: they are fourth in the Premier League, have reached the League Cup last four, and can secure a favourable Champions League position with strong performances in their final matches. The prevailing question is whether this behind-the-scenes situation might eventually affect a team that was just starting to appear cohesive.
Enzo Maresca previously worked as an assistant to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has labelled recent reports linking him with a move to Manchester City as "100% speculation". The 45-year-old, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man in Manchester, addressed the persistent rumours about his next move. Maresca, named Chelsea manager 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 stated. "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 until 2029. And my attention, I said 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 linked with Juventus in Italy. So I ignore it because I know that is without foundation." Chelsea, currently sitting fourth in the top flight, are set to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a lunchtime kick-off. Tensions Following Recent Comments Maresca's latest comments come in the wake of he referred to a recent 48-hour period as his most difficult since arriving at Chelsea. Those original words had fueled widespread speculation of a potential rift between the manager and the club's key decision-makers. When asked if he had since spoken with the club's leadership, Maresca responded, "We are in the same building, so we speak about various topics. But about the Everton press conference, no." The Italian did confirm he would "absolutely" remain at the club next season and urged the fans to "continue to support the team". In brighter news, Maresca revealed that injured forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return sooner than expected, possibly in contention for a match against Aston Villa later this month. Analysis: An 'Open Wound' The perceived strain between Maresca and the club's hierarchy persists as an open wound that continues to create unease. While there has been no deepening of the matter publicly, there has also been no resolution offered, leaving the matter unresolved. The mood during these media briefings has become increasingly awkward, leading to concerns it could undermine what has up to now been a decent beginning to the season. Chelsea's on-field situation is strong: they are fourth in the Premier League, have reached the League Cup last four, and can secure a favourable Champions League position with strong performances in their final matches. The prevailing question is whether this behind-the-scenes situation might eventually affect a team that was just starting to appear cohesive.