🔗 Share this article Chelsea Manager Maresca Rejects Man City Speculation as '100%' Gossip Enzo Maresca previously worked as an coach to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has branded recent reports linking him with a move to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay. The Italian manager, who once served as Pep Guardiola's assistant in Manchester, addressed the ongoing rumours surrounding his next move. Maresca, named Chelsea manager in June 2024, is under contract that runs through the end of the decade, with a possible extension option. "It doesn't bother me at all because I know that is 100% speculation," Maresca stated. "And at this moment, there is no time for these kind of things." He further elaborated, "First of all, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my focus, I said many times, is solely on 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 ignore it because I know that is not true." Chelsea, currently sitting in fourth position in the top flight, are scheduled to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a 12:30 GMT fixture. Tensions Following Previous Remarks Maresca's latest statement follow in the wake of he described a previous 48-hour period as his most difficult since arriving at Chelsea. Those initial words had sparked widespread talk of a potential rift between the manager 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 media session, no." The manager however affirmed he would "absolutely" stay at the club for the coming campaign and called on the fans to keep backing the team". In brighter news, Maresca indicated that sidelined attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back ahead of schedule, possibly in contention for a fixture against Aston Villa later this month. Perspective: An 'Open Wound' The apparent strain between Maresca and the club's hierarchy remains as an open wound that continues to cause concern. While there has been no deepening of the situation publicly, there has also been no resolution offered, creating the disagreement unaddressed. The atmosphere during these media briefings has become notably awkward, raising concerns it could impact what has otherwise been a decent beginning to the campaign. Chelsea's sporting situation is strong: they are fourth in the league, have qualified for the League Cup last four, and can achieve a favourable Champions League position with strong performances in their final matches. The prevailing uncertainty is whether this off-field situation might eventually disrupt a team that was beginning to look cohesive.
Enzo Maresca previously worked as an coach to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has branded recent reports linking him with a move to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay. The Italian manager, who once served as Pep Guardiola's assistant in Manchester, addressed the ongoing rumours surrounding his next move. Maresca, named Chelsea manager in June 2024, is under contract that runs through the end of the decade, with a possible extension option. "It doesn't bother me at all because I know that is 100% speculation," Maresca stated. "And at this moment, there is no time for these kind of things." He further elaborated, "First of all, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my focus, I said many times, is solely on 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 ignore it because I know that is not true." Chelsea, currently sitting in fourth position in the top flight, are scheduled to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a 12:30 GMT fixture. Tensions Following Previous Remarks Maresca's latest statement follow in the wake of he described a previous 48-hour period as his most difficult since arriving at Chelsea. Those initial words had sparked widespread talk of a potential rift between the manager 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 media session, no." The manager however affirmed he would "absolutely" stay at the club for the coming campaign and called on the fans to keep backing the team". In brighter news, Maresca indicated that sidelined attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back ahead of schedule, possibly in contention for a fixture against Aston Villa later this month. Perspective: An 'Open Wound' The apparent strain between Maresca and the club's hierarchy remains as an open wound that continues to cause concern. While there has been no deepening of the situation publicly, there has also been no resolution offered, creating the disagreement unaddressed. The atmosphere during these media briefings has become notably awkward, raising concerns it could impact what has otherwise been a decent beginning to the campaign. Chelsea's sporting situation is strong: they are fourth in the league, have qualified for the League Cup last four, and can achieve a favourable Champions League position with strong performances in their final matches. The prevailing uncertainty is whether this off-field situation might eventually disrupt a team that was beginning to look cohesive.