🔗 Share this article Chelsea Boss Maresca Rejects Man City Links as Pure Gossip Enzo Maresca was once an coach to Pep Guardiola with Manchester City. Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has labelled recent reports linking him with a return to Manchester City as "100% speculation". The Italian manager, 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 running until 2029, with a potential extra year available. "It doesn't bother me at all because I know that is completely unfounded," Maresca said. "And at this moment, there is little room for these kind of things." He further elaborated, Primarily, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my attention, I said 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 scheduled to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a 12:30 GMT fixture. Tensions After Recent Remarks Maresca's most recent comments come in the wake of he described a recent two-day spell as his "worst" since arriving at Chelsea. Those initial words had fueled considerable talk of a possible rift between the coach and the club's key decision-makers. When asked if he had since spoken with the club's leadership, Maresca replied, "We are in the same facility, so we speak about various topics. But about the post-Everton media session, no." The manager however affirmed he would definitely stay at the club for the coming campaign and called on the fans to "continue to support the team". In more positive news, Maresca revealed that injured forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return sooner than expected, potentially available for a match against Aston Villa on 27 December. Perspective: An 'Open Wound' The perceived strain between Maresca and the Chelsea board remains as an open wound that still create unease. While there has been no deepening of the situation publicly, there has equally been no resolution forthcoming, creating the matter unresolved. The atmosphere during the manager's press conferences has grown increasingly awkward, leading to fears it could impact what has otherwise been a promising start to the campaign. Chelsea's on-field position is positive: they are fourth in the Premier League, have qualified for the League Cup semi-finals, and can secure a favourable Champions League draw with strong performances in their final matches. The prevailing uncertainty is whether this behind-the-scenes dynamic might begin to disrupt a squad that was just starting to look settled.
Enzo Maresca was once an coach to Pep Guardiola with Manchester City. Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has labelled recent reports linking him with a return to Manchester City as "100% speculation". The Italian manager, 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 running until 2029, with a potential extra year available. "It doesn't bother me at all because I know that is completely unfounded," Maresca said. "And at this moment, there is little room for these kind of things." He further elaborated, Primarily, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my attention, I said 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 scheduled to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a 12:30 GMT fixture. Tensions After Recent Remarks Maresca's most recent comments come in the wake of he described a recent two-day spell as his "worst" since arriving at Chelsea. Those initial words had fueled considerable talk of a possible rift between the coach and the club's key decision-makers. When asked if he had since spoken with the club's leadership, Maresca replied, "We are in the same facility, so we speak about various topics. But about the post-Everton media session, no." The manager however affirmed he would definitely stay at the club for the coming campaign and called on the fans to "continue to support the team". In more positive news, Maresca revealed that injured forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return sooner than expected, potentially available for a match against Aston Villa on 27 December. Perspective: An 'Open Wound' The perceived strain between Maresca and the Chelsea board remains as an open wound that still create unease. While there has been no deepening of the situation publicly, there has equally been no resolution forthcoming, creating the matter unresolved. The atmosphere during the manager's press conferences has grown increasingly awkward, leading to fears it could impact what has otherwise been a promising start to the campaign. Chelsea's on-field position is positive: they are fourth in the Premier League, have qualified for the League Cup semi-finals, and can secure a favourable Champions League draw with strong performances in their final matches. The prevailing uncertainty is whether this behind-the-scenes dynamic might begin to disrupt a squad that was just starting to look settled.