🔗 Share this article Chelsea Manager Maresca Dismisses Manchester City Speculation as '100%' Gossip Enzo Maresca was once an assistant to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has labelled recent talk connecting 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, responded to the persistent rumours about his future. Maresca, named Chelsea manager in June 2024, is under contract that runs until 2029, with a possible extension available. "It doesn't affect me at all because I know that is completely unfounded," Maresca stated. "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 just about this club and I'm honoured 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 top flight, are set to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a lunchtime fixture. Tensions After Recent Remarks Maresca's most recent comments come after he described a recent 48-hour period as his "worst" since joining Chelsea. Those initial remarks had fueled considerable talk of a possible disagreement between the manager and the club's ownership hierarchy. When asked if he had discussed matters with the club's sporting directors, 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 called on the fans to keep backing the team". In brighter news, Maresca revealed that injured attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return sooner than expected, potentially available for a fixture against Aston Villa later this month. 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 further escalation of the situation publicly, there has also been no apology forthcoming, creating the matter unresolved. The mood during the manager's press conferences has become notably strained, leading to fears it could impact what has otherwise been a decent beginning to the season. Chelsea's on-field position is strong: they are fourth in the Premier League, have reached the League Cup last four, and can achieve a better Champions League draw with strong performances in their remaining games. The lingering question is whether this off-field situation might eventually affect a squad that was beginning to look cohesive.
Enzo Maresca was once an assistant to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has labelled recent talk connecting 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, responded to the persistent rumours about his future. Maresca, named Chelsea manager in June 2024, is under contract that runs until 2029, with a possible extension available. "It doesn't affect me at all because I know that is completely unfounded," Maresca stated. "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 just about this club and I'm honoured 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 top flight, are set to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a lunchtime fixture. Tensions After Recent Remarks Maresca's most recent comments come after he described a recent 48-hour period as his "worst" since joining Chelsea. Those initial remarks had fueled considerable talk of a possible disagreement between the manager and the club's ownership hierarchy. When asked if he had discussed matters with the club's sporting directors, 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 called on the fans to keep backing the team". In brighter news, Maresca revealed that injured attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return sooner than expected, potentially available for a fixture against Aston Villa later this month. 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 further escalation of the situation publicly, there has also been no apology forthcoming, creating the matter unresolved. The mood during the manager's press conferences has become notably strained, leading to fears it could impact what has otherwise been a decent beginning to the season. Chelsea's on-field position is strong: they are fourth in the Premier League, have reached the League Cup last four, and can achieve a better Champions League draw with strong performances in their remaining games. The lingering question is whether this off-field situation might eventually affect a squad that was beginning to look cohesive.