🔗 Share this article Chelsea Boss Maresca Dismisses Man City Links as '100%' Rumour Enzo Maresca was once an assistant to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has branded fresh talk connecting him with a move to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay. The Italian manager, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's assistant at the Etihad, addressed the persistent speculation surrounding his next move. Maresca, appointed Chelsea manager in the summer of 2024, has a contract that runs through the end of the decade, with a possible extra year option. "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 until 2029. And my attention, 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, currently sitting fourth in the Premier League, are set to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a 12:30 GMT fixture. Tensions Following Recent Comments Maresca's latest statement come after he referred to a recent 48-hour period as his most difficult since arriving at Chelsea. Those original words had sparked considerable speculation of a potential disagreement between the coach and the club's key decision-makers. When asked if he had since spoken with the Chelsea's leadership, Maresca replied, "We are in the same facility, so we talk about various topics. But about the Everton press conference, no." The Italian however affirmed he would definitely stay at the club next season and called on the fans to "continue to support the team". In more positive news, Maresca revealed that sidelined attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back sooner than expected, possibly in contention for a fixture against Aston Villa on 27 December. Analysis: Unresolved Tension The apparent disconnect between Maresca and the Chelsea board remains as an unhealed issue that still cause concern. While there has been no deepening of the situation publicly, there has equally been no resolution forthcoming, creating the disagreement unaddressed. The atmosphere during these press conferences has become increasingly awkward, leading to concerns it could impact what has up to now been a decent beginning to the season. Chelsea's sporting situation is positive: they are fourth in the league, have qualified for the Carabao Cup semi-finals, and can secure a favourable European draw with good performances in their remaining games. The lingering uncertainty is whether this off-field situation might eventually disrupt a team that was beginning to appear settled.
Enzo Maresca was once an assistant to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has branded fresh talk connecting him with a move to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay. The Italian manager, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's assistant at the Etihad, addressed the persistent speculation surrounding his next move. Maresca, appointed Chelsea manager in the summer of 2024, has a contract that runs through the end of the decade, with a possible extra year option. "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 until 2029. And my attention, 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, currently sitting fourth in the Premier League, are set to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a 12:30 GMT fixture. Tensions Following Recent Comments Maresca's latest statement come after he referred to a recent 48-hour period as his most difficult since arriving at Chelsea. Those original words had sparked considerable speculation of a potential disagreement between the coach and the club's key decision-makers. When asked if he had since spoken with the Chelsea's leadership, Maresca replied, "We are in the same facility, so we talk about various topics. But about the Everton press conference, no." The Italian however affirmed he would definitely stay at the club next season and called on the fans to "continue to support the team". In more positive news, Maresca revealed that sidelined attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back sooner than expected, possibly in contention for a fixture against Aston Villa on 27 December. Analysis: Unresolved Tension The apparent disconnect between Maresca and the Chelsea board remains as an unhealed issue that still cause concern. While there has been no deepening of the situation publicly, there has equally been no resolution forthcoming, creating the disagreement unaddressed. The atmosphere during these press conferences has become increasingly awkward, leading to concerns it could impact what has up to now been a decent beginning to the season. Chelsea's sporting situation is positive: they are fourth in the league, have qualified for the Carabao Cup semi-finals, and can secure a favourable European draw with good performances in their remaining games. The lingering uncertainty is whether this off-field situation might eventually disrupt a team that was beginning to appear settled.