🔗 Share this article Blues Manager Maresca Rejects Manchester City Speculation as Pure Gossip Enzo Maresca previously worked as an assistant to Pep Guardiola with 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 previously worked as Pep Guardiola's assistant in Manchester, addressed the persistent rumours about his next move. Maresca, appointed Chelsea boss in the summer of 2024, has a contract that runs through the end of the decade, with a potential extension option. "It doesn't bother me at all because I know that is 100% speculation," Maresca stated. "And at this moment, there is little room for such distractions." He went on to explain, "First of all, because I have a contract here for several more years. And my focus, 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 not true." Chelsea, presently placed fourth in the top flight, are set to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a 12:30 GMT kick-off. Tensions After Previous Comments Maresca's most recent comments follow after he described a previous 48-hour period as his "worst" since arriving at Chelsea. Those initial words had sparked considerable talk of a possible rift between the manager and the club's key decision-makers. When pressed if he had discussed matters with the Chelsea's sporting directors, Maresca responded, "We are in the same facility, so we speak about different things. But about the post-Everton media session, no." The manager did confirm he would definitely remain at the club next season and called on supporters to "continue to support the team". In more positive news, Maresca revealed that injured forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back sooner than expected, possibly available for a fixture against Aston Villa on 27 December. Perspective: 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 further escalation of the situation publicly, there has also been no apology offered, leaving the disagreement unaddressed. The atmosphere during these media briefings has grown notably awkward, raising concerns it could undermine what has up to now been a promising beginning to the campaign. Chelsea's on-field position is strong: they are in the top four in the Premier League, have qualified for the League Cup semi-finals, and can achieve a better Champions League draw with good results in their final games. The lingering question is whether this off-field situation might begin to disrupt a squad that was just starting to look cohesive.
Enzo Maresca previously worked as an assistant to Pep Guardiola with 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 previously worked as Pep Guardiola's assistant in Manchester, addressed the persistent rumours about his next move. Maresca, appointed Chelsea boss in the summer of 2024, has a contract that runs through the end of the decade, with a potential extension option. "It doesn't bother me at all because I know that is 100% speculation," Maresca stated. "And at this moment, there is little room for such distractions." He went on to explain, "First of all, because I have a contract here for several more years. And my focus, 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 not true." Chelsea, presently placed fourth in the top flight, are set to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a 12:30 GMT kick-off. Tensions After Previous Comments Maresca's most recent comments follow after he described a previous 48-hour period as his "worst" since arriving at Chelsea. Those initial words had sparked considerable talk of a possible rift between the manager and the club's key decision-makers. When pressed if he had discussed matters with the Chelsea's sporting directors, Maresca responded, "We are in the same facility, so we speak about different things. But about the post-Everton media session, no." The manager did confirm he would definitely remain at the club next season and called on supporters to "continue to support the team". In more positive news, Maresca revealed that injured forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back sooner than expected, possibly available for a fixture against Aston Villa on 27 December. Perspective: 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 further escalation of the situation publicly, there has also been no apology offered, leaving the disagreement unaddressed. The atmosphere during these media briefings has grown notably awkward, raising concerns it could undermine what has up to now been a promising beginning to the campaign. Chelsea's on-field position is strong: they are in the top four in the Premier League, have qualified for the League Cup semi-finals, and can achieve a better Champions League draw with good results in their final games. The lingering question is whether this off-field situation might begin to disrupt a squad that was just starting to look cohesive.