🔗 Share this article Chelsea Boss Maresca Rejects Man City Links as '100%' Rumour Enzo Maresca previously worked as an assistant to Pep Guardiola with Manchester City. Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has branded fresh talk connecting him with a return to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay. The Italian manager, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's assistant in Manchester, responded to the ongoing speculation about his next move. Maresca, named Chelsea boss in the summer of 2024, is under contract that runs through the end of the decade, with a potential extension option. "It doesn't bother me at all because I know that is 100% speculation," Maresca said. "And at this moment, there is little room for such distractions." He further elaborated, "First of all, because I have a contract here for several more years. And my attention, I have stated many times, is just about this club and I'm honoured to be here. But again, it's rumour. One week ago I was linked with Juventus in Italy. So I ignore it because I know that is not true." Chelsea, presently placed fourth in the top flight, are scheduled to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a 12:30 GMT kick-off. Tensions After Previous Remarks Maresca's latest statement follow in the wake of he referred to a recent 48-hour period as his most difficult since arriving at Chelsea. Those original words had sparked widespread speculation of a possible disagreement between the manager and the club's key decision-makers. When asked if he had discussed matters with the Chelsea's leadership, Maresca responded, "We are in the same facility, so we speak about various topics. But about the Everton media session, no." The Italian however affirmed he would "absolutely" remain at the club next season and urged supporters to keep backing the team". In brighter news, Maresca revealed that injured forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back sooner than expected, potentially in contention for a match against Aston Villa on 27 December. Perspective: Unresolved Tension The perceived strain between Maresca and the Chelsea board persists as an unhealed issue that continues to create unease. While there has been no further escalation of the matter in the open, there has equally been no apology forthcoming, leaving the disagreement unresolved. The atmosphere during the manager's media briefings has become increasingly awkward, raising concerns it could undermine what has up to now been a decent beginning to the campaign. Chelsea's on-field situation is positive: they are in the top four in the league, have qualified for the Carabao Cup last four, and can secure a better Champions League position with strong performances in their final matches. The prevailing question is whether this behind-the-scenes dynamic might eventually disrupt a squad that was just starting to appear cohesive.
Enzo Maresca previously worked as an assistant to Pep Guardiola with Manchester City. Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has branded fresh talk connecting him with a return to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay. The Italian manager, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's assistant in Manchester, responded to the ongoing speculation about his next move. Maresca, named Chelsea boss in the summer of 2024, is under contract that runs through the end of the decade, with a potential extension option. "It doesn't bother me at all because I know that is 100% speculation," Maresca said. "And at this moment, there is little room for such distractions." He further elaborated, "First of all, because I have a contract here for several more years. And my attention, I have stated many times, is just about this club and I'm honoured to be here. But again, it's rumour. One week ago I was linked with Juventus in Italy. So I ignore it because I know that is not true." Chelsea, presently placed fourth in the top flight, are scheduled to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a 12:30 GMT kick-off. Tensions After Previous Remarks Maresca's latest statement follow in the wake of he referred to a recent 48-hour period as his most difficult since arriving at Chelsea. Those original words had sparked widespread speculation of a possible disagreement between the manager and the club's key decision-makers. When asked if he had discussed matters with the Chelsea's leadership, Maresca responded, "We are in the same facility, so we speak about various topics. But about the Everton media session, no." The Italian however affirmed he would "absolutely" remain at the club next season and urged supporters to keep backing the team". In brighter news, Maresca revealed that injured forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back sooner than expected, potentially in contention for a match against Aston Villa on 27 December. Perspective: Unresolved Tension The perceived strain between Maresca and the Chelsea board persists as an unhealed issue that continues to create unease. While there has been no further escalation of the matter in the open, there has equally been no apology forthcoming, leaving the disagreement unresolved. The atmosphere during the manager's media briefings has become increasingly awkward, raising concerns it could undermine what has up to now been a decent beginning to the campaign. Chelsea's on-field situation is positive: they are in the top four in the league, have qualified for the Carabao Cup last four, and can secure a better Champions League position with strong performances in their final matches. The prevailing question is whether this behind-the-scenes dynamic might eventually disrupt a squad that was just starting to appear cohesive.