🔗 Share this article Chelsea Boss Maresca Dismisses Manchester City Speculation as Pure Rumour Enzo Maresca was once an assistant to Pep Guardiola with Manchester City. Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has labelled recent talk connecting him with a move to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay. The Italian manager, who once served as Pep Guardiola's assistant in Manchester, addressed the persistent rumours surrounding his future. Maresca, appointed Chelsea boss in the summer of 2024, has a contract that runs through the end of the decade, with a potential extension option. "It doesn't bother me at all because I know that is 100% speculation," Maresca said. "And at this moment, there is little room for such distractions." He went on to explain, "First of all, because I have a contract here for several more years. 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 connected to Juventus in Italy. So I ignore it because I know that is not true." Chelsea, presently placed in fourth position in the Premier League, are set to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a 12:30 GMT kick-off. Strain Following Previous Remarks Maresca's latest comments come after he described a recent two-day spell as his most difficult since arriving at Chelsea. Those initial words had fueled considerable speculation of a possible disagreement between the manager and the club's ownership hierarchy. When pressed if he had since spoken with the Chelsea's sporting directors, Maresca responded, "We are in the same facility, so we talk about different things. But about the Everton media session, no." The Italian however affirmed he would definitely remain at the club next season and urged the fans to keep backing 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 later this month. Analysis: Unresolved Tension The perceived disconnect between Maresca and the Chelsea board remains as an open wound that still cause concern. While there has been no further escalation of the situation in the open, there has also been no resolution offered, creating the matter unresolved. The mood during these press conferences has grown notably awkward, leading to fears it could impact what has up to now been a decent start to the season. Chelsea's on-field situation is positive: they are in the top four in the league, have reached the Carabao Cup last four, and can secure a better European draw with good results in their remaining games. The prevailing question is whether this off-field situation might begin to disrupt a squad that was beginning to appear settled.
Enzo Maresca was once an assistant to Pep Guardiola with Manchester City. Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has labelled recent talk connecting him with a move to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay. The Italian manager, who once served as Pep Guardiola's assistant in Manchester, addressed the persistent rumours surrounding his future. Maresca, appointed Chelsea boss in the summer of 2024, has a contract that runs through the end of the decade, with a potential extension option. "It doesn't bother me at all because I know that is 100% speculation," Maresca said. "And at this moment, there is little room for such distractions." He went on to explain, "First of all, because I have a contract here for several more years. 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 connected to Juventus in Italy. So I ignore it because I know that is not true." Chelsea, presently placed in fourth position in the Premier League, are set to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a 12:30 GMT kick-off. Strain Following Previous Remarks Maresca's latest comments come after he described a recent two-day spell as his most difficult since arriving at Chelsea. Those initial words had fueled considerable speculation of a possible disagreement between the manager and the club's ownership hierarchy. When pressed if he had since spoken with the Chelsea's sporting directors, Maresca responded, "We are in the same facility, so we talk about different things. But about the Everton media session, no." The Italian however affirmed he would definitely remain at the club next season and urged the fans to keep backing 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 later this month. Analysis: Unresolved Tension The perceived disconnect between Maresca and the Chelsea board remains as an open wound that still cause concern. While there has been no further escalation of the situation in the open, there has also been no resolution offered, creating the matter unresolved. The mood during these press conferences has grown notably awkward, leading to fears it could impact what has up to now been a decent start to the season. Chelsea's on-field situation is positive: they are in the top four in the league, have reached the Carabao Cup last four, and can secure a better European draw with good results in their remaining games. The prevailing question is whether this off-field situation might begin to disrupt a squad that was beginning to appear settled.