đ Share this article Blues Manager Maresca Rejects Manchester City Speculation as Pure Gossip Enzo Maresca previously worked as an coach to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has labelled recent talk connecting him with a move to Manchester City as "100% speculation". The 45-year-old, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man in Manchester, responded to the persistent rumours surrounding his next move. Maresca, named Chelsea boss in the summer of 2024, is under contract that runs until 2029, with a possible extra year option. "It doesn't affect me at all because I know that is completely unfounded," Maresca said. "And at this moment, there is no time for such distractions." He went on to explain, Primarily, because I have a contract here for several more years. And my focus, I have stated 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 a role in Italy with Juventus. So I ignore it because I know that is without foundation." Chelsea, currently sitting fourth in the top flight, are set to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a 12:30 GMT fixture. Tensions After Recent Comments Maresca's latest statement come in the wake of he described a previous two-day spell as his most difficult since arriving at Chelsea. Those initial remarks had sparked widespread talk of a potential 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 building, so we speak about various topics. But about the Everton media session, no." The Italian however affirmed he would definitely stay at the club for the coming campaign and called on the fans to keep backing the team". In more positive news, Maresca indicated that injured attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return ahead of schedule, possibly in contention for a fixture against Aston Villa on 27 December. Analysis: An 'Open Wound' The perceived disconnect between Maresca and the club's hierarchy remains as an unhealed issue that still create unease. While there has been no further escalation of the situation in the open, there has also been no resolution offered, leaving the matter unresolved. The atmosphere during the manager's press conferences has grown increasingly strained, leading to concerns it could undermine what has up to now been a promising beginning to the season. Chelsea's on-field situation is strong: they are fourth in the league, have qualified for the Carabao Cup last four, and can achieve a favourable Champions League draw with strong performances in their final matches. The prevailing uncertainty is whether this off-field dynamic might eventually disrupt a team that was beginning to appear cohesive.
Enzo Maresca previously worked as an coach to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has labelled recent talk connecting him with a move to Manchester City as "100% speculation". The 45-year-old, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man in Manchester, responded to the persistent rumours surrounding his next move. Maresca, named Chelsea boss in the summer of 2024, is under contract that runs until 2029, with a possible extra year option. "It doesn't affect me at all because I know that is completely unfounded," Maresca said. "And at this moment, there is no time for such distractions." He went on to explain, Primarily, because I have a contract here for several more years. And my focus, I have stated 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 a role in Italy with Juventus. So I ignore it because I know that is without foundation." Chelsea, currently sitting fourth in the top flight, are set to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a 12:30 GMT fixture. Tensions After Recent Comments Maresca's latest statement come in the wake of he described a previous two-day spell as his most difficult since arriving at Chelsea. Those initial remarks had sparked widespread talk of a potential 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 building, so we speak about various topics. But about the Everton media session, no." The Italian however affirmed he would definitely stay at the club for the coming campaign and called on the fans to keep backing the team". In more positive news, Maresca indicated that injured attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return ahead of schedule, possibly in contention for a fixture against Aston Villa on 27 December. Analysis: An 'Open Wound' The perceived disconnect between Maresca and the club's hierarchy remains as an unhealed issue that still create unease. While there has been no further escalation of the situation in the open, there has also been no resolution offered, leaving the matter unresolved. The atmosphere during the manager's press conferences has grown increasingly strained, leading to concerns it could undermine what has up to now been a promising beginning to the season. Chelsea's on-field situation is strong: they are fourth in the league, have qualified for the Carabao Cup last four, and can achieve a favourable Champions League draw with strong performances in their final matches. The prevailing uncertainty is whether this off-field dynamic might eventually disrupt a team that was beginning to appear cohesive.