🔗 Share this article Chelsea Boss Maresca Dismisses Man City Speculation as Pure Rumour Enzo Maresca was once an coach to Pep Guardiola with Manchester City. Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has labelled fresh reports linking him with a return to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay. The 45-year-old, who once served as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man at the Etihad, addressed the ongoing rumours surrounding his future. Maresca, named Chelsea manager in the summer of 2024, is under contract running until 2029, with a potential extra year option. "It doesn't bother 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 for several more years. And my attention, I said many times, is solely on this club and I'm honoured 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 not true." Chelsea, presently placed fourth in the top flight, are scheduled to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a lunchtime fixture. Tensions After Previous Remarks Maresca's latest comments come after he described a recent 48-hour period as his most difficult since joining Chelsea. Those initial remarks had fueled widespread talk of a potential disagreement between the coach and the club's ownership hierarchy. When pressed if he had discussed matters with the club's leadership, Maresca replied, "We are in the same facility, so we speak about different things. But about the Everton press conference, no." The manager however affirmed he would "absolutely" remain at the club for the coming campaign and urged supporters to keep backing the team". In brighter news, Maresca indicated that injured attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return ahead of schedule, potentially in contention for a fixture against Aston Villa on 27 December. Perspective: An 'Open Wound' The apparent strain between Maresca and the club's hierarchy persists as an unhealed issue that still create unease. While there has been no deepening of the situation in the open, there has also been no apology forthcoming, creating the disagreement unresolved. The mood during the manager's media briefings has become notably strained, raising concerns it could impact what has up to now been a promising start to the season. Chelsea's on-field situation is positive: they are fourth in the Premier League, have reached the League Cup semi-finals, and can secure a favourable Champions League draw with strong results in their final games. The lingering uncertainty is whether this behind-the-scenes dynamic might eventually affect a squad that was just starting to appear cohesive.
Enzo Maresca was once an coach to Pep Guardiola with Manchester City. Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has labelled fresh reports linking him with a return to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay. The 45-year-old, who once served as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man at the Etihad, addressed the ongoing rumours surrounding his future. Maresca, named Chelsea manager in the summer of 2024, is under contract running until 2029, with a potential extra year option. "It doesn't bother 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 for several more years. And my attention, I said many times, is solely on this club and I'm honoured 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 not true." Chelsea, presently placed fourth in the top flight, are scheduled to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a lunchtime fixture. Tensions After Previous Remarks Maresca's latest comments come after he described a recent 48-hour period as his most difficult since joining Chelsea. Those initial remarks had fueled widespread talk of a potential disagreement between the coach and the club's ownership hierarchy. When pressed if he had discussed matters with the club's leadership, Maresca replied, "We are in the same facility, so we speak about different things. But about the Everton press conference, no." The manager however affirmed he would "absolutely" remain at the club for the coming campaign and urged supporters to keep backing the team". In brighter news, Maresca indicated that injured attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return ahead of schedule, potentially in contention for a fixture against Aston Villa on 27 December. Perspective: An 'Open Wound' The apparent strain between Maresca and the club's hierarchy persists as an unhealed issue that still create unease. While there has been no deepening of the situation in the open, there has also been no apology forthcoming, creating the disagreement unresolved. The mood during the manager's media briefings has become notably strained, raising concerns it could impact what has up to now been a promising start to the season. Chelsea's on-field situation is positive: they are fourth in the Premier League, have reached the League Cup semi-finals, and can secure a favourable Champions League draw with strong results in their final games. The lingering uncertainty is whether this behind-the-scenes dynamic might eventually affect a squad that was just starting to appear cohesive.