đź”— Share this article Chelsea Manager Maresca Rejects Man City Speculation as Pure Rumour Enzo Maresca previously worked as an assistant to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has branded fresh reports linking him with a return to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay. The 45-year-old, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man at the Etihad, addressed the persistent speculation surrounding his future. Maresca, named Chelsea manager in the summer of 2024, has a contract running until 2029, with a possible extra year option. "It doesn't affect me at all because I know that is completely unfounded," Maresca said. "And at this moment, there is little room for these kind of things." He further elaborated, Primarily, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my focus, 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 linked with a role in Italy with Juventus. 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 12:30 GMT kick-off. Tensions After Previous Comments Maresca's latest comments come in the wake of he referred to a previous 48-hour period as his "worst" since joining Chelsea. Those initial words had sparked considerable speculation of a possible rift between the coach and the club's ownership hierarchy. When asked if he had discussed matters with the club's leadership, Maresca responded, "We are in the same facility, so we speak about different things. But about the post-Everton press conference, no." The manager did confirm he would definitely stay at the club for the coming campaign and called on supporters to "continue to support the team". In brighter news, Maresca revealed that injured forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back ahead of schedule, potentially available for a fixture against Aston Villa on 27 December. Analysis: An 'Open Wound' The apparent strain between Maresca and the Chelsea board persists as an open wound that still create unease. While there has been no deepening of the situation in the open, there has equally been no apology offered, creating the matter unaddressed. The atmosphere during these press conferences has grown notably strained, leading to concerns it could undermine what has up to now been a decent beginning to the campaign. Chelsea's sporting position is positive: they are fourth in the league, have qualified for the Carabao Cup semi-finals, and can secure a better European draw with good performances in their remaining matches. The prevailing uncertainty is whether this behind-the-scenes situation might begin to affect a squad that was just starting to appear settled.
Enzo Maresca previously worked as an assistant to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has branded fresh reports linking him with a return to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay. The 45-year-old, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man at the Etihad, addressed the persistent speculation surrounding his future. Maresca, named Chelsea manager in the summer of 2024, has a contract running until 2029, with a possible extra year option. "It doesn't affect me at all because I know that is completely unfounded," Maresca said. "And at this moment, there is little room for these kind of things." He further elaborated, Primarily, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my focus, 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 linked with a role in Italy with Juventus. 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 12:30 GMT kick-off. Tensions After Previous Comments Maresca's latest comments come in the wake of he referred to a previous 48-hour period as his "worst" since joining Chelsea. Those initial words had sparked considerable speculation of a possible rift between the coach and the club's ownership hierarchy. When asked if he had discussed matters with the club's leadership, Maresca responded, "We are in the same facility, so we speak about different things. But about the post-Everton press conference, no." The manager did confirm he would definitely stay at the club for the coming campaign and called on supporters to "continue to support the team". In brighter news, Maresca revealed that injured forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back ahead of schedule, potentially available for a fixture against Aston Villa on 27 December. Analysis: An 'Open Wound' The apparent strain between Maresca and the Chelsea board persists as an open wound that still create unease. While there has been no deepening of the situation in the open, there has equally been no apology offered, creating the matter unaddressed. The atmosphere during these press conferences has grown notably strained, leading to concerns it could undermine what has up to now been a decent beginning to the campaign. Chelsea's sporting position is positive: they are fourth in the league, have qualified for the Carabao Cup semi-finals, and can secure a better European draw with good performances in their remaining matches. The prevailing uncertainty is whether this behind-the-scenes situation might begin to affect a squad that was just starting to appear settled.