🔗 Share this article Blues Manager Maresca Dismisses Manchester City Speculation as Pure Gossip Enzo Maresca was once an coach to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has branded fresh talk linking him with a move to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay. The 45-year-old, who once served as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man in Manchester, addressed the ongoing speculation about his future. Maresca, named Chelsea boss in June 2024, is under contract that runs through the end of the decade, with a possible extension available. "It doesn't affect me at all because I know that is 100% speculation," 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 speculation. One week ago I was connected to 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 on Saturday in a 12:30 GMT fixture. Strain After Previous Comments Maresca's latest statement come after he referred to a recent two-day spell as his most difficult since joining Chelsea. Those initial remarks had fueled widespread speculation of a possible disagreement between the coach and the club's key decision-makers. When asked if he had since spoken with the club's sporting directors, Maresca replied, "We are in the same facility, so we talk about different things. But about the post-Everton media session, no." The Italian however affirmed he would "absolutely" 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 sidelined attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return sooner than expected, possibly available for a match against Aston Villa later this month. Perspective: An 'Open Wound' The apparent disconnect between Maresca and the Chelsea board persists as an open wound that continues to create unease. While there has been no further escalation of the situation publicly, there has equally been no resolution forthcoming, creating the matter unaddressed. The atmosphere during these media briefings has grown notably strained, raising fears it could impact what has otherwise been a promising start to the campaign. Chelsea's sporting situation is strong: they are fourth in the league, have reached the Carabao Cup last four, and can secure a better Champions League position with good performances in their remaining matches. The prevailing uncertainty is whether this behind-the-scenes dynamic might begin to affect a squad that was just starting to appear settled.
Enzo Maresca was once an coach to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has branded fresh talk linking him with a move to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay. The 45-year-old, who once served as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man in Manchester, addressed the ongoing speculation about his future. Maresca, named Chelsea boss in June 2024, is under contract that runs through the end of the decade, with a possible extension available. "It doesn't affect me at all because I know that is 100% speculation," 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 speculation. One week ago I was connected to 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 on Saturday in a 12:30 GMT fixture. Strain After Previous Comments Maresca's latest statement come after he referred to a recent two-day spell as his most difficult since joining Chelsea. Those initial remarks had fueled widespread speculation of a possible disagreement between the coach and the club's key decision-makers. When asked if he had since spoken with the club's sporting directors, Maresca replied, "We are in the same facility, so we talk about different things. But about the post-Everton media session, no." The Italian however affirmed he would "absolutely" 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 sidelined attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return sooner than expected, possibly available for a match against Aston Villa later this month. Perspective: An 'Open Wound' The apparent disconnect between Maresca and the Chelsea board persists as an open wound that continues to create unease. While there has been no further escalation of the situation publicly, there has equally been no resolution forthcoming, creating the matter unaddressed. The atmosphere during these media briefings has grown notably strained, raising fears it could impact what has otherwise been a promising start to the campaign. Chelsea's sporting situation is strong: they are fourth in the league, have reached the Carabao Cup last four, and can secure a better Champions League position with good performances in their remaining matches. The prevailing uncertainty is whether this behind-the-scenes dynamic might begin to affect a squad that was just starting to appear settled.