🔗 Share this article Chelsea Manager Maresca Dismisses Manchester City Speculation as Pure Gossip Enzo Maresca was once an coach to Pep Guardiola with Manchester City. Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has branded recent talk connecting 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 in Manchester, addressed the persistent rumours about his next move. Maresca, named Chelsea manager in the summer of 2024, has a contract running until 2029, with a potential extension available. "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, "First of all, 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 linked with a role in Italy with Juventus. So I don't pay attention because I know that is not true." Chelsea, currently sitting in fourth position in the Premier League, are set to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a lunchtime fixture. Strain Following Recent Remarks Maresca's latest statement follow after he referred to a previous 48-hour period as his "worst" since joining Chelsea. Those initial words had sparked considerable speculation of a possible disagreement between the manager and the club's key decision-makers. When pressed if he had since spoken with the club's leadership, Maresca replied, "We are in the same building, so we talk about different things. But about the post-Everton press conference, no." The manager did confirm he would definitely stay at the club next season and urged the fans to "continue to support the team". In more positive news, Maresca revealed that sidelined forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return ahead of schedule, possibly in contention 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 unhealed issue that still cause concern. While there has been no further escalation of the situation publicly, there has equally been no resolution offered, creating the matter unresolved. The mood during these media briefings has grown increasingly awkward, leading to concerns it could undermine what has otherwise been a promising start to the campaign. Chelsea's on-field position is positive: they are in the top four in the league, have qualified for the League Cup semi-finals, and can secure a favourable Champions League position with good performances in their final games. The lingering uncertainty is whether this off-field situation might begin to disrupt a team 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 branded recent talk connecting 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 in Manchester, addressed the persistent rumours about his next move. Maresca, named Chelsea manager in the summer of 2024, has a contract running until 2029, with a potential extension available. "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, "First of all, 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 linked with a role in Italy with Juventus. So I don't pay attention because I know that is not true." Chelsea, currently sitting in fourth position in the Premier League, are set to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a lunchtime fixture. Strain Following Recent Remarks Maresca's latest statement follow after he referred to a previous 48-hour period as his "worst" since joining Chelsea. Those initial words had sparked considerable speculation of a possible disagreement between the manager and the club's key decision-makers. When pressed if he had since spoken with the club's leadership, Maresca replied, "We are in the same building, so we talk about different things. But about the post-Everton press conference, no." The manager did confirm he would definitely stay at the club next season and urged the fans to "continue to support the team". In more positive news, Maresca revealed that sidelined forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return ahead of schedule, possibly in contention 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 unhealed issue that still cause concern. While there has been no further escalation of the situation publicly, there has equally been no resolution offered, creating the matter unresolved. The mood during these media briefings has grown increasingly awkward, leading to concerns it could undermine what has otherwise been a promising start to the campaign. Chelsea's on-field position is positive: they are in the top four in the league, have qualified for the League Cup semi-finals, and can secure a favourable Champions League position with good performances in their final games. The lingering uncertainty is whether this off-field situation might begin to disrupt a team that was just starting to look settled.