🔗 Share this article Blues Manager Maresca Dismisses Man City Links as Pure Gossip Enzo Maresca was once an coach to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has labelled recent talk linking him with a move to Manchester City as "100% speculation". The 45-year-old, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's assistant in Manchester, addressed the ongoing rumours about his future. Maresca, named Chelsea boss in the summer of 2024, has a contract running until 2029, with a possible 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 no time for these kind of things." He further elaborated, Primarily, because I have a contract here for several more years. And my attention, I said many times, is just about this club and I'm very proud to be here. But again, it's speculation. One week ago I was linked with Juventus in Italy. So I ignore it because I know that is without foundation." Chelsea, presently placed in fourth position in the Premier League, are set to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a lunchtime fixture. Strain After Recent Comments Maresca's most recent statement follow in the wake of he referred to a previous two-day spell as his "worst" since joining Chelsea. Those initial remarks had sparked considerable speculation of a potential rift between the manager and the club's key decision-makers. When asked if he had since spoken with the Chelsea's sporting directors, Maresca responded, "We are in the same building, so we talk about various topics. But about the Everton media session, no." The Italian however affirmed he would "absolutely" stay at the club for the coming campaign and urged the fans to keep backing the team". In more positive news, Maresca revealed that sidelined forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back sooner than expected, possibly in contention for a match against Aston Villa on 27 December. Perspective: An 'Open Wound' The perceived strain between Maresca and the club's hierarchy persists as an open wound that still cause concern. While there has been no deepening of the matter in the open, there has also been no apology forthcoming, leaving the matter unresolved. The mood during the manager's media briefings has grown increasingly awkward, raising concerns it could undermine what has up to now been a decent start to the campaign. Chelsea's on-field situation is strong: they are in the top four in the league, have qualified for the League Cup last four, and can secure a better European draw with good performances in their remaining games. The lingering question is whether this off-field situation 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 labelled recent talk linking him with a move to Manchester City as "100% speculation". The 45-year-old, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's assistant in Manchester, addressed the ongoing rumours about his future. Maresca, named Chelsea boss in the summer of 2024, has a contract running until 2029, with a possible 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 no time for these kind of things." He further elaborated, Primarily, because I have a contract here for several more years. And my attention, I said many times, is just about this club and I'm very proud to be here. But again, it's speculation. One week ago I was linked with Juventus in Italy. So I ignore it because I know that is without foundation." Chelsea, presently placed in fourth position in the Premier League, are set to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a lunchtime fixture. Strain After Recent Comments Maresca's most recent statement follow in the wake of he referred to a previous two-day spell as his "worst" since joining Chelsea. Those initial remarks had sparked considerable speculation of a potential rift between the manager and the club's key decision-makers. When asked if he had since spoken with the Chelsea's sporting directors, Maresca responded, "We are in the same building, so we talk about various topics. But about the Everton media session, no." The Italian however affirmed he would "absolutely" stay at the club for the coming campaign and urged the fans to keep backing the team". In more positive news, Maresca revealed that sidelined forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back sooner than expected, possibly in contention for a match against Aston Villa on 27 December. Perspective: An 'Open Wound' The perceived strain between Maresca and the club's hierarchy persists as an open wound that still cause concern. While there has been no deepening of the matter in the open, there has also been no apology forthcoming, leaving the matter unresolved. The mood during the manager's media briefings has grown increasingly awkward, raising concerns it could undermine what has up to now been a decent start to the campaign. Chelsea's on-field situation is strong: they are in the top four in the league, have qualified for the League Cup last four, and can secure a better European draw with good performances in their remaining games. The lingering question is whether this off-field situation might begin to affect a squad that was just starting to appear settled.