🔗 Share this article Chelsea Manager Maresca Rejects Manchester City Links as Pure Gossip Enzo Maresca previously worked as an coach to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has labelled recent reports connecting him with a move to Manchester City as "100% speculation". The 45-year-old, who once served as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man in Manchester, addressed the ongoing speculation about his next move. Maresca, appointed Chelsea boss in the summer of 2024, has a contract running through the end of the decade, with a potential extension available. "It doesn't affect me at all because I know that is completely unfounded," Maresca said. "And at this moment, there is no time for such distractions." He went on to explain, "First of all, because I have a contract here for several more years. And my focus, I said many times, is solely on this club and I'm honoured to be here. But again, it's speculation. One week ago I was connected to Juventus in Italy. So I don't pay attention because I know that is not true." Chelsea, currently sitting fourth in the Premier League, are set to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a lunchtime kick-off. Strain Following Recent Comments Maresca's most recent comments come in the wake of he described a recent two-day spell as his most difficult since joining Chelsea. Those initial words had sparked considerable speculation of a potential rift between the manager and the club's key decision-makers. When pressed if he had discussed matters with the club's leadership, Maresca responded, "We are in the same building, so we talk about different things. But about the Everton media session, no." The manager however affirmed he would "absolutely" stay at the club for the coming campaign and urged supporters to keep backing the team". In more positive news, Maresca indicated that sidelined forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return ahead of schedule, potentially in contention for a match against Aston Villa later this month. Analysis: An 'Open Wound' The perceived strain between Maresca and the club's hierarchy remains as an unhealed issue that continues to create unease. While there has been no deepening of the matter publicly, there has also been no resolution forthcoming, leaving the disagreement unaddressed. The mood during the manager's media briefings has become increasingly strained, leading to fears it could undermine what has otherwise been a decent start to the season. Chelsea's on-field position is strong: they are in the top four in the Premier League, have qualified for the Carabao Cup last four, and can secure a better European draw with good results in their final games. The lingering question is whether this off-field situation might begin to affect a team that was just starting to look settled.
Enzo Maresca previously worked as an coach to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has labelled recent reports connecting him with a move to Manchester City as "100% speculation". The 45-year-old, who once served as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man in Manchester, addressed the ongoing speculation about his next move. Maresca, appointed Chelsea boss in the summer of 2024, has a contract running through the end of the decade, with a potential extension available. "It doesn't affect me at all because I know that is completely unfounded," Maresca said. "And at this moment, there is no time for such distractions." He went on to explain, "First of all, because I have a contract here for several more years. And my focus, I said many times, is solely on this club and I'm honoured to be here. But again, it's speculation. One week ago I was connected to Juventus in Italy. So I don't pay attention because I know that is not true." Chelsea, currently sitting fourth in the Premier League, are set to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a lunchtime kick-off. Strain Following Recent Comments Maresca's most recent comments come in the wake of he described a recent two-day spell as his most difficult since joining Chelsea. Those initial words had sparked considerable speculation of a potential rift between the manager and the club's key decision-makers. When pressed if he had discussed matters with the club's leadership, Maresca responded, "We are in the same building, so we talk about different things. But about the Everton media session, no." The manager however affirmed he would "absolutely" stay at the club for the coming campaign and urged supporters to keep backing the team". In more positive news, Maresca indicated that sidelined forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return ahead of schedule, potentially in contention for a match against Aston Villa later this month. Analysis: An 'Open Wound' The perceived strain between Maresca and the club's hierarchy remains as an unhealed issue that continues to create unease. While there has been no deepening of the matter publicly, there has also been no resolution forthcoming, leaving the disagreement unaddressed. The mood during the manager's media briefings has become increasingly strained, leading to fears it could undermine what has otherwise been a decent start to the season. Chelsea's on-field position is strong: they are in the top four in the Premier League, have qualified for the Carabao Cup last four, and can secure a better European draw with good results in their final games. The lingering question is whether this off-field situation might begin to affect a team that was just starting to look settled.