🔗 Share this article Blues Manager Maresca Dismisses Manchester City Links 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 "100% speculation". The 45-year-old, who once served as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man in Manchester, addressed the ongoing speculation about his next move. Maresca, named Chelsea manager in the summer of 2024, is under contract running through the end of the decade, with a potential extension available. "It doesn't affect me at all because I know that is completely unfounded," Maresca said. "And at this moment, there is little room for such distractions." He further elaborated, 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 speculation. 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 fourth in the Premier League, are set to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a 12:30 GMT kick-off. Strain Following Previous Comments Maresca's latest comments come in the wake of he described a recent two-day spell as his "worst" since arriving at Chelsea. Those original words had sparked considerable talk of a potential rift between the coach and the club's ownership hierarchy. When asked if he had since spoken with the club's sporting directors, Maresca replied, "We are in the same building, so we talk about various topics. But about the Everton media session, no." The Italian did confirm he would "absolutely" stay at the club next season and urged the fans to "continue to support the team". In brighter news, Maresca indicated that injured attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back ahead of schedule, possibly in contention for a fixture against Aston Villa on 27 December. Perspective: Unresolved Tension The apparent disconnect between Maresca and the Chelsea board persists as an unhealed issue that still create unease. While there has been no deepening of the situation publicly, there has equally been no resolution offered, creating the matter unresolved. The atmosphere during these media briefings has become increasingly awkward, leading to fears it could impact what has up to now been a promising start to the campaign. Chelsea's on-field position is positive: they are fourth in the league, have reached the Carabao Cup semi-finals, and can achieve a better Champions League position with good performances in their final games. The prevailing uncertainty is whether this off-field dynamic might begin to affect a team that was just starting to look cohesive.
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 "100% speculation". The 45-year-old, who once served as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man in Manchester, addressed the ongoing speculation about his next move. Maresca, named Chelsea manager in the summer of 2024, is under contract running through the end of the decade, with a potential extension available. "It doesn't affect me at all because I know that is completely unfounded," Maresca said. "And at this moment, there is little room for such distractions." He further elaborated, 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 speculation. 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 fourth in the Premier League, are set to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a 12:30 GMT kick-off. Strain Following Previous Comments Maresca's latest comments come in the wake of he described a recent two-day spell as his "worst" since arriving at Chelsea. Those original words had sparked considerable talk of a potential rift between the coach and the club's ownership hierarchy. When asked if he had since spoken with the club's sporting directors, Maresca replied, "We are in the same building, so we talk about various topics. But about the Everton media session, no." The Italian did confirm he would "absolutely" stay at the club next season and urged the fans to "continue to support the team". In brighter news, Maresca indicated that injured attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back ahead of schedule, possibly in contention for a fixture against Aston Villa on 27 December. Perspective: Unresolved Tension The apparent disconnect between Maresca and the Chelsea board persists as an unhealed issue that still create unease. While there has been no deepening of the situation publicly, there has equally been no resolution offered, creating the matter unresolved. The atmosphere during these media briefings has become increasingly awkward, leading to fears it could impact what has up to now been a promising start to the campaign. Chelsea's on-field position is positive: they are fourth in the league, have reached the Carabao Cup semi-finals, and can achieve a better Champions League position with good performances in their final games. The prevailing uncertainty is whether this off-field dynamic might begin to affect a team that was just starting to look cohesive.