🔗 Share this article Blues Manager Maresca Rejects Manchester City Links as Pure Rumour Enzo Maresca was once an coach to Pep Guardiola with Manchester City. Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has labelled fresh talk connecting him with a move to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay. The 45-year-old, who once served as Pep Guardiola's assistant at the Etihad, responded to the persistent rumours about his next move. Maresca, appointed Chelsea manager in the summer of 2024, has a contract that runs until 2029, with a possible extra year option. "It doesn't affect 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 went on to explain, "First of all, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my attention, 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, presently placed in fourth position in the top flight, are set to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a lunchtime kick-off. Tensions Following Previous Comments Maresca's most recent comments come after he referred to a previous 48-hour period as his "worst" since joining Chelsea. Those original words had sparked considerable talk of a possible rift between the coach and the club's ownership hierarchy. When pressed if he had discussed matters with the Chelsea's leadership, Maresca responded, "We are in the same facility, so we speak about various topics. But about the Everton press conference, no." The manager however affirmed he would definitely stay at the club next season and called on the fans to "continue to support the team". In more positive news, Maresca indicated that injured attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back sooner than expected, potentially in contention for a match against Aston Villa later this month. Analysis: An 'Open Wound' The apparent strain between Maresca and the Chelsea board remains as an unhealed issue that still cause concern. While there has been no further escalation of the situation publicly, there has also been no resolution offered, leaving the matter unresolved. The mood during these press conferences has grown notably strained, raising concerns it could undermine what has otherwise been a promising start to the season. Chelsea's on-field position is strong: they are in the top four in the league, have qualified for the League Cup last four, and can achieve a better European position with good results in their final games. The lingering uncertainty is whether this off-field dynamic might begin to affect 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 fresh talk connecting him with a move to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay. The 45-year-old, who once served as Pep Guardiola's assistant at the Etihad, responded to the persistent rumours about his next move. Maresca, appointed Chelsea manager in the summer of 2024, has a contract that runs until 2029, with a possible extra year option. "It doesn't affect 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 went on to explain, "First of all, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my attention, 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, presently placed in fourth position in the top flight, are set to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a lunchtime kick-off. Tensions Following Previous Comments Maresca's most recent comments come after he referred to a previous 48-hour period as his "worst" since joining Chelsea. Those original words had sparked considerable talk of a possible rift between the coach and the club's ownership hierarchy. When pressed if he had discussed matters with the Chelsea's leadership, Maresca responded, "We are in the same facility, so we speak about various topics. But about the Everton press conference, no." The manager however affirmed he would definitely stay at the club next season and called on the fans to "continue to support the team". In more positive news, Maresca indicated that injured attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back sooner than expected, potentially in contention for a match against Aston Villa later this month. Analysis: An 'Open Wound' The apparent strain between Maresca and the Chelsea board remains as an unhealed issue that still cause concern. While there has been no further escalation of the situation publicly, there has also been no resolution offered, leaving the matter unresolved. The mood during these press conferences has grown notably strained, raising concerns it could undermine what has otherwise been a promising start to the season. Chelsea's on-field position is strong: they are in the top four in the league, have qualified for the League Cup last four, and can achieve a better European position with good results in their final games. The lingering uncertainty is whether this off-field dynamic might begin to affect a squad that was just starting to look settled.