🔗 Share this article Chelsea Manager Maresca Dismisses Man City Speculation as Pure Rumour Enzo Maresca previously worked as an assistant to Pep Guardiola with Manchester City. Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has branded fresh reports connecting him with a return to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay. The 45-year-old, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's assistant in Manchester, addressed the persistent rumours surrounding his future. Maresca, appointed Chelsea manager in the summer of 2024, has a contract running through the end of the decade, with a potential extension option. "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 focus, I have stated 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 not true." Chelsea, presently placed fourth in the top flight, are set to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a 12:30 GMT kick-off. Strain Following Previous Comments Maresca's most recent statement follow after he described a previous 48-hour period as his "worst" since joining Chelsea. Those initial remarks had fueled widespread talk of a potential disagreement between the manager and the club's ownership hierarchy. When asked if he had since spoken with the club's leadership, Maresca responded, "We are in the same building, so we talk about various topics. But about the post-Everton media session, no." The manager however affirmed he would "absolutely" stay at the club next season and urged the fans to "continue to support the team". In brighter news, Maresca indicated that sidelined attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return ahead of schedule, possibly in contention for a fixture against Aston Villa on 27 December. Analysis: An 'Open Wound' The apparent strain between Maresca and the club's hierarchy remains as an open wound that still cause concern. While there has been no deepening of the situation publicly, there has equally been no resolution forthcoming, leaving the matter unresolved. The atmosphere during these media briefings has become notably strained, leading to fears it could undermine what has otherwise been a decent start to the season. Chelsea's sporting position is positive: they are fourth in the Premier League, have qualified for the League Cup semi-finals, and can secure a favourable European draw with good results in their final matches. The lingering question is whether this behind-the-scenes situation might begin to disrupt a squad that was beginning to appear cohesive.
Enzo Maresca previously worked as an assistant to Pep Guardiola with Manchester City. Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has branded fresh reports connecting him with a return to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay. The 45-year-old, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's assistant in Manchester, addressed the persistent rumours surrounding his future. Maresca, appointed Chelsea manager in the summer of 2024, has a contract running through the end of the decade, with a potential extension option. "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 focus, I have stated 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 not true." Chelsea, presently placed fourth in the top flight, are set to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a 12:30 GMT kick-off. Strain Following Previous Comments Maresca's most recent statement follow after he described a previous 48-hour period as his "worst" since joining Chelsea. Those initial remarks had fueled widespread talk of a potential disagreement between the manager and the club's ownership hierarchy. When asked if he had since spoken with the club's leadership, Maresca responded, "We are in the same building, so we talk about various topics. But about the post-Everton media session, no." The manager however affirmed he would "absolutely" stay at the club next season and urged the fans to "continue to support the team". In brighter news, Maresca indicated that sidelined attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return ahead of schedule, possibly in contention for a fixture against Aston Villa on 27 December. Analysis: An 'Open Wound' The apparent strain between Maresca and the club's hierarchy remains as an open wound that still cause concern. While there has been no deepening of the situation publicly, there has equally been no resolution forthcoming, leaving the matter unresolved. The atmosphere during these media briefings has become notably strained, leading to fears it could undermine what has otherwise been a decent start to the season. Chelsea's sporting position is positive: they are fourth in the Premier League, have qualified for the League Cup semi-finals, and can secure a favourable European draw with good results in their final matches. The lingering question is whether this behind-the-scenes situation might begin to disrupt a squad that was beginning to appear cohesive.