🔗 Share this article Blues Boss Maresca Dismisses Manchester City Speculation as Pure Gossip Enzo Maresca was once an coach to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has labelled recent reports linking him with a move to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay. The Italian manager, who once served as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man in Manchester, responded to the ongoing speculation about his future. Maresca, named Chelsea manager in June 2024, has a contract that runs until 2029, with a potential extra year available. "It doesn't affect me at all because I know that is completely unfounded," Maresca said. "And at this moment, there is little room 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 speculation. One week ago I was connected to Juventus in Italy. So I don't pay attention because I know that is without foundation." Chelsea, presently placed in fourth position in the Premier League, are scheduled to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a 12:30 GMT kick-off. Strain After Previous Comments Maresca's latest statement come in the wake of he described a recent two-day spell as his most difficult since arriving at Chelsea. Those initial remarks had fueled considerable talk of a possible disagreement between the coach and the club's ownership hierarchy. When pressed if he had since spoken with the Chelsea's sporting directors, Maresca replied, "We are in the same facility, so we speak 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 supporters to keep backing the team". In more positive news, Maresca indicated that injured forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return ahead of schedule, possibly available for a fixture against Aston Villa later this month. Perspective: An 'Open Wound' The perceived disconnect between Maresca and the Chelsea board persists as an open wound 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 unaddressed. The mood during the manager's media briefings has grown increasingly strained, raising fears it could undermine what has otherwise been a decent beginning to the campaign. Chelsea's sporting situation is positive: they are fourth in the league, have qualified for the Carabao Cup last four, and can achieve a better European draw with good performances in their final matches. The prevailing question is whether this behind-the-scenes situation might eventually disrupt a team that was just starting to appear cohesive.
Enzo Maresca was once an coach to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has labelled recent reports linking him with a move to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay. The Italian manager, who once served as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man in Manchester, responded to the ongoing speculation about his future. Maresca, named Chelsea manager in June 2024, has a contract that runs until 2029, with a potential extra year available. "It doesn't affect me at all because I know that is completely unfounded," Maresca said. "And at this moment, there is little room 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 speculation. One week ago I was connected to Juventus in Italy. So I don't pay attention because I know that is without foundation." Chelsea, presently placed in fourth position in the Premier League, are scheduled to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a 12:30 GMT kick-off. Strain After Previous Comments Maresca's latest statement come in the wake of he described a recent two-day spell as his most difficult since arriving at Chelsea. Those initial remarks had fueled considerable talk of a possible disagreement between the coach and the club's ownership hierarchy. When pressed if he had since spoken with the Chelsea's sporting directors, Maresca replied, "We are in the same facility, so we speak 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 supporters to keep backing the team". In more positive news, Maresca indicated that injured forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return ahead of schedule, possibly available for a fixture against Aston Villa later this month. Perspective: An 'Open Wound' The perceived disconnect between Maresca and the Chelsea board persists as an open wound 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 unaddressed. The mood during the manager's media briefings has grown increasingly strained, raising fears it could undermine what has otherwise been a decent beginning to the campaign. Chelsea's sporting situation is positive: they are fourth in the league, have qualified for the Carabao Cup last four, and can achieve a better European draw with good performances in their final matches. The prevailing question is whether this behind-the-scenes situation might eventually disrupt a team that was just starting to appear cohesive.