🔗 Share this article Chelsea Boss Maresca Rejects Man City Links as Pure Rumour Enzo Maresca previously worked as an assistant to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has labelled fresh talk linking him with a return to Manchester City as "100% speculation". The 45-year-old, who once served as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man at the Etihad, responded to the ongoing speculation about his next move. Maresca, appointed Chelsea boss in the summer of 2024, is under contract that runs until 2029, with a potential extension option. "It doesn't affect me at all because I know that is completely unfounded," Maresca stated. "And at this moment, there is little room for such distractions." 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 very proud to be here. But again, it's rumour. One week ago I was connected to Juventus in Italy. 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 on Saturday in a lunchtime kick-off. Strain Following Previous Comments Maresca's most recent comments come in the wake of he referred to a recent 48-hour period as his "worst" since joining Chelsea. Those original words had fueled considerable talk of a potential disagreement between the manager and the club's ownership hierarchy. When pressed if he had discussed matters with the club's leadership, Maresca responded, "We are in the same facility, so we speak about different things. But about the post-Everton media session, no." The manager did confirm he would definitely stay at the club next season and called on supporters to "continue to support the team". In brighter news, Maresca indicated that sidelined forwards 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 perceived disconnect between Maresca and the Chelsea board persists as an open wound that still create unease. While there has been no deepening of the matter in the open, there has also been no resolution offered, leaving the matter unresolved. The atmosphere during these press conferences has grown notably awkward, raising concerns it could impact what has up to now been a decent start to the campaign. Chelsea's sporting position is positive: they are fourth in the Premier League, have qualified for the Carabao Cup last four, and can secure a better Champions League draw with strong performances in their remaining games. The prevailing question is whether this behind-the-scenes dynamic might begin to affect a squad that was beginning to appear settled.
Enzo Maresca previously worked as an assistant to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has labelled fresh talk linking him with a return to Manchester City as "100% speculation". The 45-year-old, who once served as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man at the Etihad, responded to the ongoing speculation about his next move. Maresca, appointed Chelsea boss in the summer of 2024, is under contract that runs until 2029, with a potential extension option. "It doesn't affect me at all because I know that is completely unfounded," Maresca stated. "And at this moment, there is little room for such distractions." 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 very proud to be here. But again, it's rumour. One week ago I was connected to Juventus in Italy. 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 on Saturday in a lunchtime kick-off. Strain Following Previous Comments Maresca's most recent comments come in the wake of he referred to a recent 48-hour period as his "worst" since joining Chelsea. Those original words had fueled considerable talk of a potential disagreement between the manager and the club's ownership hierarchy. When pressed if he had discussed matters with the club's leadership, Maresca responded, "We are in the same facility, so we speak about different things. But about the post-Everton media session, no." The manager did confirm he would definitely stay at the club next season and called on supporters to "continue to support the team". In brighter news, Maresca indicated that sidelined forwards 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 perceived disconnect between Maresca and the Chelsea board persists as an open wound that still create unease. While there has been no deepening of the matter in the open, there has also been no resolution offered, leaving the matter unresolved. The atmosphere during these press conferences has grown notably awkward, raising concerns it could impact what has up to now been a decent start to the campaign. Chelsea's sporting position is positive: they are fourth in the Premier League, have qualified for the Carabao Cup last four, and can secure a better Champions League draw with strong performances in their remaining games. The prevailing question is whether this behind-the-scenes dynamic might begin to affect a squad that was beginning to appear settled.