🔗 Share this article Chelsea Boss Maresca Dismisses Manchester City Speculation as '100%' Gossip Enzo Maresca previously worked as an coach to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has branded fresh talk linking him with a return to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay. The 45-year-old, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's assistant at the Etihad, addressed the persistent speculation surrounding his next move. Maresca, appointed Chelsea boss in the summer of 2024, is under contract that runs until 2029, with a possible extra year option. "It doesn't bother me at all because I know that is completely unfounded," Maresca stated. "And at this moment, there is little room for these kind of things." He further elaborated, Primarily, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my attention, I have stated many times, is solely on this club and I'm very proud to be here. But again, it's rumour. One week ago I was connected to Juventus in Italy. So I ignore it because I know that is without foundation." Chelsea, currently sitting in fourth position in the top flight, are scheduled to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a lunchtime fixture. Strain Following Previous Remarks Maresca's most recent statement come in the wake of he referred to a recent 48-hour period as his most difficult since joining Chelsea. Those original remarks had fueled widespread talk of a possible rift between the coach and the club's key decision-makers. When pressed 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 manager however affirmed he would "absolutely" stay at the club next season and urged the fans to "continue to support the team". In more positive news, Maresca indicated that injured forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back ahead of schedule, possibly in contention for a match against Aston Villa on 27 December. Analysis: Unresolved Tension The apparent disconnect between Maresca and the club's hierarchy remains as an unhealed issue that still create unease. While there has been no further escalation of the matter publicly, there has also been no apology forthcoming, leaving the matter unaddressed. The atmosphere during the manager's press conferences has grown notably awkward, leading to fears it could undermine what has otherwise been a promising beginning to the season. Chelsea's sporting position is positive: they are in the top four in the Premier League, have reached the League Cup semi-finals, and can achieve a favourable Champions League position with good performances in their final matches. The prevailing uncertainty is whether this behind-the-scenes dynamic might eventually disrupt a squad that was beginning to look settled.
Enzo Maresca previously worked as an coach to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has branded fresh talk linking him with a return to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay. The 45-year-old, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's assistant at the Etihad, addressed the persistent speculation surrounding his next move. Maresca, appointed Chelsea boss in the summer of 2024, is under contract that runs until 2029, with a possible extra year option. "It doesn't bother me at all because I know that is completely unfounded," Maresca stated. "And at this moment, there is little room for these kind of things." He further elaborated, Primarily, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my attention, I have stated many times, is solely on this club and I'm very proud to be here. But again, it's rumour. One week ago I was connected to Juventus in Italy. So I ignore it because I know that is without foundation." Chelsea, currently sitting in fourth position in the top flight, are scheduled to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a lunchtime fixture. Strain Following Previous Remarks Maresca's most recent statement come in the wake of he referred to a recent 48-hour period as his most difficult since joining Chelsea. Those original remarks had fueled widespread talk of a possible rift between the coach and the club's key decision-makers. When pressed 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 manager however affirmed he would "absolutely" stay at the club next season and urged the fans to "continue to support the team". In more positive news, Maresca indicated that injured forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back ahead of schedule, possibly in contention for a match against Aston Villa on 27 December. Analysis: Unresolved Tension The apparent disconnect between Maresca and the club's hierarchy remains as an unhealed issue that still create unease. While there has been no further escalation of the matter publicly, there has also been no apology forthcoming, leaving the matter unaddressed. The atmosphere during the manager's press conferences has grown notably awkward, leading to fears it could undermine what has otherwise been a promising beginning to the season. Chelsea's sporting position is positive: they are in the top four in the Premier League, have reached the League Cup semi-finals, and can achieve a favourable Champions League position with good performances in their final matches. The prevailing uncertainty is whether this behind-the-scenes dynamic might eventually disrupt a squad that was beginning to look settled.