🔗 Share this article Chelsea Boss Maresca Rejects Man City Speculation as '100%' Gossip Enzo Maresca was once an assistant to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has labelled recent reports connecting him with a move to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay. The 45-year-old, who once served as Pep Guardiola's assistant at the Etihad, responded to the persistent rumours surrounding his next move. Maresca, named Chelsea manager in the summer of 2024, has a contract that runs through the end of the decade, with a possible extension available. "It doesn't affect me at all because I know that is 100% speculation," Maresca stated. "And at this moment, there is no time for such distractions." He went on to explain, Primarily, because I have a contract here for several more years. And my attention, I have stated many times, is solely on this club and I'm honoured to be here. But again, it's rumour. One week ago I was linked with Juventus in Italy. So I ignore it because I know that is not true." Chelsea, presently placed fourth in the Premier League, are set to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a 12:30 GMT fixture. Tensions Following Previous Comments Maresca's latest statement follow after he referred to a recent two-day spell as his "worst" since joining Chelsea. Those initial remarks had fueled widespread talk of a potential rift between the manager and the club's key decision-makers. When pressed if he had since spoken with the Chelsea's sporting directors, Maresca replied, "We are in the same facility, so we speak about different things. But about the Everton media session, no." The manager did confirm he would "absolutely" stay at the club for the coming campaign and called on supporters to "continue to support the team". In brighter news, Maresca revealed that sidelined forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back sooner than expected, possibly in contention for a fixture against Aston Villa later this month. Analysis: An 'Open Wound' The apparent strain between Maresca and the club's hierarchy remains as an open wound that continues to create unease. While there has been no further escalation of the situation publicly, there has equally been no resolution forthcoming, creating the disagreement unaddressed. The mood during these media briefings has become notably awkward, raising concerns it could undermine what has up to now been a decent start to the campaign. Chelsea's on-field situation is strong: they are fourth in the Premier League, have qualified for the League Cup last four, and can secure a favourable European draw with good results in their final games. The prevailing 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 assistant to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has labelled recent reports connecting him with a move to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay. The 45-year-old, who once served as Pep Guardiola's assistant at the Etihad, responded to the persistent rumours surrounding his next move. Maresca, named Chelsea manager in the summer of 2024, has a contract that runs through the end of the decade, with a possible extension available. "It doesn't affect me at all because I know that is 100% speculation," Maresca stated. "And at this moment, there is no time for such distractions." He went on to explain, Primarily, because I have a contract here for several more years. And my attention, I have stated many times, is solely on this club and I'm honoured to be here. But again, it's rumour. One week ago I was linked with Juventus in Italy. So I ignore it because I know that is not true." Chelsea, presently placed fourth in the Premier League, are set to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a 12:30 GMT fixture. Tensions Following Previous Comments Maresca's latest statement follow after he referred to a recent two-day spell as his "worst" since joining Chelsea. Those initial remarks had fueled widespread talk of a potential rift between the manager and the club's key decision-makers. When pressed if he had since spoken with the Chelsea's sporting directors, Maresca replied, "We are in the same facility, so we speak about different things. But about the Everton media session, no." The manager did confirm he would "absolutely" stay at the club for the coming campaign and called on supporters to "continue to support the team". In brighter news, Maresca revealed that sidelined forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back sooner than expected, possibly in contention for a fixture against Aston Villa later this month. Analysis: An 'Open Wound' The apparent strain between Maresca and the club's hierarchy remains as an open wound that continues to create unease. While there has been no further escalation of the situation publicly, there has equally been no resolution forthcoming, creating the disagreement unaddressed. The mood during these media briefings has become notably awkward, raising concerns it could undermine what has up to now been a decent start to the campaign. Chelsea's on-field situation is strong: they are fourth in the Premier League, have qualified for the League Cup last four, and can secure a favourable European draw with good results in their final games. The prevailing question is whether this behind-the-scenes dynamic might eventually affect a team that was just starting to appear cohesive.