🔗 Share this article Chelsea Boss Maresca Dismisses Man City Links as Pure Gossip Enzo Maresca previously worked as an coach to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has branded recent reports linking him with a move to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay. The Italian manager, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man at the Etihad, addressed the persistent rumours 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 possible extension available. "It doesn't bother me at all because I know that is completely unfounded," Maresca said. "And at this moment, there is no time for these kind of things." He went on to explain, 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 Juventus in Italy. 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 this Saturday in a lunchtime kick-off. Strain Following Previous Remarks Maresca's most recent statement follow in the wake of he referred to a recent 48-hour period as his most difficult since arriving at Chelsea. Those initial words 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 club's sporting directors, Maresca replied, "We are in the same building, so we speak about various topics. But about the post-Everton press conference, no." The Italian did confirm he would definitely remain at the club next season and called on supporters to keep backing the team". In more positive news, Maresca revealed that injured forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back ahead of schedule, potentially in contention for a match against Aston Villa on 27 December. Analysis: Unresolved Tension The perceived strain between Maresca and the Chelsea board remains as an unhealed issue that continues to cause concern. While there has been no deepening of the matter in the open, there has also been no apology offered, leaving the matter unresolved. The mood during these media briefings has become increasingly awkward, leading to fears it could undermine what has up to now been a promising beginning to the season. Chelsea's sporting position is positive: they are fourth in the Premier League, have qualified for the League Cup last four, and can secure a better European draw with good results in their remaining matches. The prevailing uncertainty is whether this behind-the-scenes situation might eventually disrupt a squad that was beginning to appear settled.
Enzo Maresca previously worked as an coach to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has branded recent reports linking him with a move to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay. The Italian manager, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man at the Etihad, addressed the persistent rumours 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 possible extension available. "It doesn't bother me at all because I know that is completely unfounded," Maresca said. "And at this moment, there is no time for these kind of things." He went on to explain, 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 Juventus in Italy. 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 this Saturday in a lunchtime kick-off. Strain Following Previous Remarks Maresca's most recent statement follow in the wake of he referred to a recent 48-hour period as his most difficult since arriving at Chelsea. Those initial words 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 club's sporting directors, Maresca replied, "We are in the same building, so we speak about various topics. But about the post-Everton press conference, no." The Italian did confirm he would definitely remain at the club next season and called on supporters to keep backing the team". In more positive news, Maresca revealed that injured forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back ahead of schedule, potentially in contention for a match against Aston Villa on 27 December. Analysis: Unresolved Tension The perceived strain between Maresca and the Chelsea board remains as an unhealed issue that continues to cause concern. While there has been no deepening of the matter in the open, there has also been no apology offered, leaving the matter unresolved. The mood during these media briefings has become increasingly awkward, leading to fears it could undermine what has up to now been a promising beginning to the season. Chelsea's sporting position is positive: they are fourth in the Premier League, have qualified for the League Cup last four, and can secure a better European draw with good results in their remaining matches. The prevailing uncertainty is whether this behind-the-scenes situation might eventually disrupt a squad that was beginning to appear settled.