🔗 Share this article Blues Manager Maresca Rejects Man City Links as Pure Rumour Enzo Maresca was once an coach to Pep Guardiola with Manchester City. Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has branded fresh talk connecting him with a return to Manchester City as "100% speculation". The Italian manager, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man in Manchester, addressed the ongoing speculation about his next move. Maresca, named Chelsea boss in the summer of 2024, is under contract running through the end of the decade, with a potential extra year option. "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 such distractions." He further elaborated, Primarily, because I have a contract here for several more years. And my focus, I have stated many times, is solely on 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 ignore it because I know that is without foundation." Chelsea, currently sitting fourth in the top flight, are set to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a lunchtime kick-off. Tensions After Previous Comments Maresca's most recent statement follow after he referred to a recent two-day spell as his most difficult since arriving at Chelsea. Those initial remarks had sparked considerable talk of a possible disagreement between the manager and the club's key decision-makers. When asked if he had since spoken with the Chelsea's leadership, Maresca replied, "We are in the same building, so we talk about different things. But about the post-Everton press conference, no." The manager however affirmed he would definitely stay at the club next season and called on the fans to "continue to support the team". In brighter news, Maresca indicated that injured forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return ahead of schedule, possibly available for a match against Aston Villa later this month. Perspective: Unresolved Tension The perceived strain between Maresca and the Chelsea board persists as an open wound that still create unease. While there has been no further escalation of the situation in the open, there has also been no apology offered, creating the disagreement unresolved. The atmosphere during the manager's press conferences has grown notably awkward, leading to fears it could impact what has up to now been a decent start to the season. Chelsea's on-field situation is positive: they are in the top four in the Premier League, have reached the League Cup last four, and can secure a better European position with strong performances in their remaining games. The lingering question is whether this behind-the-scenes dynamic might eventually affect a team that was just starting to appear cohesive.
Enzo Maresca was once an coach to Pep Guardiola with Manchester City. Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has branded fresh talk connecting him with a return to Manchester City as "100% speculation". The Italian manager, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man in Manchester, addressed the ongoing speculation about his next move. Maresca, named Chelsea boss in the summer of 2024, is under contract running through the end of the decade, with a potential extra year option. "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 such distractions." He further elaborated, Primarily, because I have a contract here for several more years. And my focus, I have stated many times, is solely on 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 ignore it because I know that is without foundation." Chelsea, currently sitting fourth in the top flight, are set to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a lunchtime kick-off. Tensions After Previous Comments Maresca's most recent statement follow after he referred to a recent two-day spell as his most difficult since arriving at Chelsea. Those initial remarks had sparked considerable talk of a possible disagreement between the manager and the club's key decision-makers. When asked if he had since spoken with the Chelsea's leadership, Maresca replied, "We are in the same building, so we talk about different things. But about the post-Everton press conference, no." The manager however affirmed he would definitely stay at the club next season and called on the fans to "continue to support the team". In brighter news, Maresca indicated that injured forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return ahead of schedule, possibly available for a match against Aston Villa later this month. Perspective: Unresolved Tension The perceived strain between Maresca and the Chelsea board persists as an open wound that still create unease. While there has been no further escalation of the situation in the open, there has also been no apology offered, creating the disagreement unresolved. The atmosphere during the manager's press conferences has grown notably awkward, leading to fears it could impact what has up to now been a decent start to the season. Chelsea's on-field situation is positive: they are in the top four in the Premier League, have reached the League Cup last four, and can secure a better European position with strong performances in their remaining games. The lingering question is whether this behind-the-scenes dynamic might eventually affect a team that was just starting to appear cohesive.