🔗 Share this article Blues Manager Maresca Dismisses Manchester City Speculation as Pure Gossip Enzo Maresca previously worked as an coach to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has labelled recent talk connecting him with a return to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay. The Italian manager, who once served as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man at the Etihad, responded to the persistent speculation about his next move. Maresca, named Chelsea boss in the summer of 2024, is under contract that runs until 2029, with a potential extension option. "It doesn't bother me at all because I know that is completely unfounded," Maresca said. "And at this moment, there is little room for such distractions." He further elaborated, 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 linked with a role in Italy with Juventus. So I don't pay attention because I know that is without foundation." Chelsea, presently placed in fourth position in the Premier League, are set to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a lunchtime kick-off. Tensions After Recent Comments Maresca's latest statement come after he referred to a previous two-day spell as his "worst" since joining Chelsea. Those initial remarks had fueled widespread talk of a possible disagreement 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 press conference, no." The manager did confirm he would "absolutely" remain at the club next season and called on supporters to keep backing the team". In more positive news, Maresca indicated that injured attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return sooner than expected, potentially available for a match against Aston Villa later this month. Analysis: Unresolved Tension The apparent strain between Maresca and the club's hierarchy remains as an open wound that still cause concern. While there has been no deepening of the matter in the open, there has equally been no resolution offered, leaving the matter unresolved. The atmosphere during the manager's media briefings has grown notably strained, leading to concerns it could impact what has up to now been a promising start to the season. Chelsea's on-field position is strong: they are fourth in the league, have reached the Carabao Cup semi-finals, and can achieve a favourable Champions League 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 beginning to look cohesive.
Enzo Maresca previously worked as an coach to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has labelled recent talk connecting him with a return to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay. The Italian manager, who once served as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man at the Etihad, responded to the persistent speculation about his next move. Maresca, named Chelsea boss in the summer of 2024, is under contract that runs until 2029, with a potential extension option. "It doesn't bother me at all because I know that is completely unfounded," Maresca said. "And at this moment, there is little room for such distractions." He further elaborated, 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 linked with a role in Italy with Juventus. So I don't pay attention because I know that is without foundation." Chelsea, presently placed in fourth position in the Premier League, are set to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a lunchtime kick-off. Tensions After Recent Comments Maresca's latest statement come after he referred to a previous two-day spell as his "worst" since joining Chelsea. Those initial remarks had fueled widespread talk of a possible disagreement 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 press conference, no." The manager did confirm he would "absolutely" remain at the club next season and called on supporters to keep backing the team". In more positive news, Maresca indicated that injured attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return sooner than expected, potentially available for a match against Aston Villa later this month. Analysis: Unresolved Tension The apparent strain between Maresca and the club's hierarchy remains as an open wound that still cause concern. While there has been no deepening of the matter in the open, there has equally been no resolution offered, leaving the matter unresolved. The atmosphere during the manager's media briefings has grown notably strained, leading to concerns it could impact what has up to now been a promising start to the season. Chelsea's on-field position is strong: they are fourth in the league, have reached the Carabao Cup semi-finals, and can achieve a favourable Champions League 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 beginning to look cohesive.