đź”— Share this article Blues Manager Maresca Dismisses Manchester City Links as '100%' Gossip Enzo Maresca was once an coach to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has labelled recent reports connecting him with a move to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay. The 45-year-old, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's assistant in Manchester, addressed the persistent speculation surrounding his future. Maresca, appointed Chelsea manager in June 2024, is under contract that runs through the end of the decade, with a potential extra year available. "It doesn't affect me at all because I know that is 100% speculation," Maresca said. "And at this moment, there is little room for such distractions." He went on to explain, Primarily, 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 a role in Italy with Juventus. So I don't pay attention because I know that is not true." Chelsea, presently placed fourth in the top flight, are scheduled to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a 12:30 GMT kick-off. Tensions Following Previous Remarks Maresca's most recent statement follow after he referred to a previous 48-hour period as his most difficult since arriving at Chelsea. Those original remarks had fueled widespread speculation of a possible rift between the coach and the club's key decision-makers. When asked if he had discussed matters with the Chelsea's sporting directors, Maresca replied, "We are in the same building, so we talk about different things. But about the Everton media session, no." The manager did confirm he would definitely stay at the club for the coming campaign and called on supporters to "continue to support the team". In brighter news, Maresca revealed that injured forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return ahead of schedule, potentially in contention for a fixture against Aston Villa later this month. Perspective: An 'Open Wound' The apparent disconnect between Maresca and the Chelsea board remains as an unhealed issue that continues to create unease. While there has been no further escalation of the situation in the open, there has also been no resolution offered, leaving the matter unresolved. The atmosphere during these press conferences has grown increasingly strained, raising fears it could undermine what has up to now been a decent beginning to the campaign. Chelsea's sporting position is positive: they are fourth in the league, have qualified for the League Cup last four, and can achieve a favourable European draw with good results in their remaining matches. The lingering question is whether this off-field situation might eventually disrupt a squad that was beginning to look settled.
Enzo Maresca was once an coach to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has labelled recent reports connecting him with a move to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay. The 45-year-old, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's assistant in Manchester, addressed the persistent speculation surrounding his future. Maresca, appointed Chelsea manager in June 2024, is under contract that runs through the end of the decade, with a potential extra year available. "It doesn't affect me at all because I know that is 100% speculation," Maresca said. "And at this moment, there is little room for such distractions." He went on to explain, Primarily, 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 a role in Italy with Juventus. So I don't pay attention because I know that is not true." Chelsea, presently placed fourth in the top flight, are scheduled to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a 12:30 GMT kick-off. Tensions Following Previous Remarks Maresca's most recent statement follow after he referred to a previous 48-hour period as his most difficult since arriving at Chelsea. Those original remarks had fueled widespread speculation of a possible rift between the coach and the club's key decision-makers. When asked if he had discussed matters with the Chelsea's sporting directors, Maresca replied, "We are in the same building, so we talk about different things. But about the Everton media session, no." The manager did confirm he would definitely stay at the club for the coming campaign and called on supporters to "continue to support the team". In brighter news, Maresca revealed that injured forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return ahead of schedule, potentially in contention for a fixture against Aston Villa later this month. Perspective: An 'Open Wound' The apparent disconnect between Maresca and the Chelsea board remains as an unhealed issue that continues to create unease. While there has been no further escalation of the situation in the open, there has also been no resolution offered, leaving the matter unresolved. The atmosphere during these press conferences has grown increasingly strained, raising fears it could undermine what has up to now been a decent beginning to the campaign. Chelsea's sporting position is positive: they are fourth in the league, have qualified for the League Cup last four, and can achieve a favourable European draw with good results in their remaining matches. The lingering question is whether this off-field situation might eventually disrupt a squad that was beginning to look settled.