🔗 Share this article Chelsea Boss Maresca Dismisses Manchester City Speculation as Pure Rumour Enzo Maresca was once an coach to Pep Guardiola with Manchester City. Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has labelled recent reports connecting him with a return to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay. The Italian manager, who once served as Pep Guardiola's assistant in Manchester, addressed the persistent speculation surrounding his future. Maresca, appointed Chelsea boss in June 2024, has a contract that runs until 2029, with a possible extension available. "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 went on to explain, Primarily, because I have a contract here for several more years. And my attention, I said 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 a role in Italy with Juventus. So I ignore it because I know that is without foundation." Chelsea, presently placed in fourth position in the top flight, are scheduled to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a lunchtime kick-off. Strain Following Recent Remarks Maresca's latest comments follow in the wake of he referred to a previous 48-hour period as his "worst" since joining Chelsea. Those original remarks had fueled widespread speculation of a potential disagreement between the manager and the club's ownership hierarchy. When asked if he had discussed matters with the club's leadership, Maresca replied, "We are in the same facility, so we talk about various topics. But about the post-Everton media session, no." The Italian however affirmed he would "absolutely" stay at the club for the coming campaign and called on the fans to keep backing the team". In more positive news, Maresca revealed that injured attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back ahead of schedule, possibly available for a match against Aston Villa later this month. Perspective: An 'Open Wound' The perceived disconnect between Maresca and the club's hierarchy remains as an unhealed issue that still cause concern. While there has been no deepening of the situation publicly, there has equally been no apology offered, leaving the matter unresolved. The atmosphere during these press conferences has become increasingly strained, raising fears it could impact what has otherwise been a promising start to the campaign. Chelsea's sporting situation is strong: they are fourth in the Premier League, have qualified for the Carabao Cup last four, and can achieve a better European draw with good performances in their final matches. The lingering question is whether this behind-the-scenes situation might eventually affect a squad that was just starting to look cohesive.
Enzo Maresca was once an coach to Pep Guardiola with Manchester City. Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has labelled recent reports connecting him with a return to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay. The Italian manager, who once served as Pep Guardiola's assistant in Manchester, addressed the persistent speculation surrounding his future. Maresca, appointed Chelsea boss in June 2024, has a contract that runs until 2029, with a possible extension available. "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 went on to explain, Primarily, because I have a contract here for several more years. And my attention, I said 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 a role in Italy with Juventus. So I ignore it because I know that is without foundation." Chelsea, presently placed in fourth position in the top flight, are scheduled to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a lunchtime kick-off. Strain Following Recent Remarks Maresca's latest comments follow in the wake of he referred to a previous 48-hour period as his "worst" since joining Chelsea. Those original remarks had fueled widespread speculation of a potential disagreement between the manager and the club's ownership hierarchy. When asked if he had discussed matters with the club's leadership, Maresca replied, "We are in the same facility, so we talk about various topics. But about the post-Everton media session, no." The Italian however affirmed he would "absolutely" stay at the club for the coming campaign and called on the fans to keep backing the team". In more positive news, Maresca revealed that injured attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back ahead of schedule, possibly available for a match against Aston Villa later this month. Perspective: An 'Open Wound' The perceived disconnect between Maresca and the club's hierarchy remains as an unhealed issue that still cause concern. While there has been no deepening of the situation publicly, there has equally been no apology offered, leaving the matter unresolved. The atmosphere during these press conferences has become increasingly strained, raising fears it could impact what has otherwise been a promising start to the campaign. Chelsea's sporting situation is strong: they are fourth in the Premier League, have qualified for the Carabao Cup last four, and can achieve a better European draw with good performances in their final matches. The lingering question is whether this behind-the-scenes situation might eventually affect a squad that was just starting to look cohesive.