🔗 Share this article Blues Manager Maresca Dismisses Man City Speculation as Pure Gossip Enzo Maresca previously worked as an coach to Pep Guardiola with Manchester City. Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has branded fresh talk connecting him with a return to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay. The Italian manager, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man in Manchester, addressed the ongoing speculation surrounding his next move. Maresca, appointed Chelsea boss in June 2024, is under contract that runs through the end of the decade, with a potential extension available. "It doesn't bother me at all because I know that is 100% speculation," Maresca said. "And at this moment, there is no time for such distractions." He further elaborated, "First of all, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my attention, I have stated 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 ignore it because I know that is not true." Chelsea, currently sitting in fourth position in the top flight, are set to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a lunchtime kick-off. Tensions After Recent Comments Maresca's most recent comments come after he referred to a recent 48-hour period as his "worst" since joining Chelsea. Those initial words had sparked widespread speculation of a potential rift between the coach and the club's key decision-makers. When asked 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 did confirm he would definitely stay at the club for the coming campaign 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 return sooner than expected, potentially in contention for a match against Aston Villa on 27 December. Analysis: An 'Open Wound' The apparent disconnect between Maresca and the Chelsea board remains as an open wound that continues to cause concern. While there has been no further escalation of the matter in the open, there has equally been no apology offered, creating the matter unresolved. The atmosphere during the manager's press conferences has grown notably awkward, leading to concerns it could impact what has up to now been a promising beginning to the campaign. Chelsea's sporting position is positive: they are in the top four in the league, have reached the Carabao Cup semi-finals, and can achieve a better European position with good results in their final games. The prevailing question is whether this off-field situation might begin to disrupt a squad that was just starting to look cohesive.
Enzo Maresca previously worked as an coach to Pep Guardiola with Manchester City. Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has branded fresh talk connecting him with a return to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay. The Italian manager, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man in Manchester, addressed the ongoing speculation surrounding his next move. Maresca, appointed Chelsea boss in June 2024, is under contract that runs through the end of the decade, with a potential extension available. "It doesn't bother me at all because I know that is 100% speculation," Maresca said. "And at this moment, there is no time for such distractions." He further elaborated, "First of all, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my attention, I have stated 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 ignore it because I know that is not true." Chelsea, currently sitting in fourth position in the top flight, are set to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a lunchtime kick-off. Tensions After Recent Comments Maresca's most recent comments come after he referred to a recent 48-hour period as his "worst" since joining Chelsea. Those initial words had sparked widespread speculation of a potential rift between the coach and the club's key decision-makers. When asked 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 did confirm he would definitely stay at the club for the coming campaign 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 return sooner than expected, potentially in contention for a match against Aston Villa on 27 December. Analysis: An 'Open Wound' The apparent disconnect between Maresca and the Chelsea board remains as an open wound that continues to cause concern. While there has been no further escalation of the matter in the open, there has equally been no apology offered, creating the matter unresolved. The atmosphere during the manager's press conferences has grown notably awkward, leading to concerns it could impact what has up to now been a promising beginning to the campaign. Chelsea's sporting position is positive: they are in the top four in the league, have reached the Carabao Cup semi-finals, and can achieve a better European position with good results in their final games. The prevailing question is whether this off-field situation might begin to disrupt a squad that was just starting to look cohesive.