🔗 Share this article Chelsea Boss Maresca Dismisses Manchester City Links as Pure Gossip Enzo Maresca previously worked as an assistant to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has branded 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 in Manchester, addressed the persistent speculation about his future. Maresca, appointed Chelsea boss in June 2024, is under contract that runs until 2029, with a possible extra year available. "It doesn't affect me at all because I know that is completely unfounded," Maresca said. "And at this moment, there is no time for these kind of things." He went on to explain, Primarily, because I have a contract here for several more years. And my focus, 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 Juventus in Italy. 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 this Saturday in a 12:30 GMT kick-off. Tensions After Recent Comments Maresca's latest statement come in the wake of he described a previous 48-hour period as his "worst" since arriving at Chelsea. Those initial remarks had sparked widespread speculation of a possible disagreement between the coach and the club's key decision-makers. When asked if he had discussed matters with the Chelsea's sporting directors, Maresca responded, "We are in the same facility, so we talk about different things. But about the post-Everton press conference, no." The Italian did confirm he would definitely remain at the club for the coming campaign and called on the fans to "continue to support the team". In brighter news, Maresca revealed that sidelined attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back ahead of schedule, potentially available for a fixture against Aston Villa later this month. Analysis: An 'Open Wound' The perceived strain between Maresca and the club's hierarchy remains as an open wound that still create unease. While there has been no deepening of the situation publicly, there has also been no apology offered, leaving the disagreement unresolved. The atmosphere during these media briefings has grown notably strained, leading to concerns it could impact what has up to now been a promising beginning to the campaign. Chelsea's sporting situation is positive: they are in the top four in the Premier League, have qualified for the League Cup last four, and can secure a favourable European position with strong results in their remaining matches. The lingering uncertainty is whether this behind-the-scenes situation might begin to affect a team that was just starting to look cohesive.
Enzo Maresca previously worked as an assistant to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has branded 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 in Manchester, addressed the persistent speculation about his future. Maresca, appointed Chelsea boss in June 2024, is under contract that runs until 2029, with a possible extra year available. "It doesn't affect me at all because I know that is completely unfounded," Maresca said. "And at this moment, there is no time for these kind of things." He went on to explain, Primarily, because I have a contract here for several more years. And my focus, 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 Juventus in Italy. 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 this Saturday in a 12:30 GMT kick-off. Tensions After Recent Comments Maresca's latest statement come in the wake of he described a previous 48-hour period as his "worst" since arriving at Chelsea. Those initial remarks had sparked widespread speculation of a possible disagreement between the coach and the club's key decision-makers. When asked if he had discussed matters with the Chelsea's sporting directors, Maresca responded, "We are in the same facility, so we talk about different things. But about the post-Everton press conference, no." The Italian did confirm he would definitely remain at the club for the coming campaign and called on the fans to "continue to support the team". In brighter news, Maresca revealed that sidelined attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back ahead of schedule, potentially available for a fixture against Aston Villa later this month. Analysis: An 'Open Wound' The perceived strain between Maresca and the club's hierarchy remains as an open wound that still create unease. While there has been no deepening of the situation publicly, there has also been no apology offered, leaving the disagreement unresolved. The atmosphere during these media briefings has grown notably strained, leading to concerns it could impact what has up to now been a promising beginning to the campaign. Chelsea's sporting situation is positive: they are in the top four in the Premier League, have qualified for the League Cup last four, and can secure a favourable European position with strong results in their remaining matches. The lingering uncertainty is whether this behind-the-scenes situation might begin to affect a team that was just starting to look cohesive.