🔗 Share this article Chelsea Manager Maresca Dismisses Manchester City Speculation as Pure Gossip Enzo Maresca was once an assistant to Pep Guardiola with Manchester City. Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has branded fresh reports linking him with a return to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay. The Italian manager, who once served as Pep Guardiola's assistant at the Etihad, addressed the ongoing speculation surrounding his future. Maresca, appointed Chelsea manager in the summer of 2024, is under contract that runs through the end of the decade, with a possible extra year available. "It doesn't affect me at all because I know that is completely unfounded," Maresca said. "And at this moment, there is no time for these kind of things." He went on to explain, "First of all, because I have a contract here for several more years. And my focus, I said 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 scheduled to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a lunchtime fixture. Strain After Previous Remarks Maresca's latest comments follow after he referred to a previous two-day spell as his "worst" since arriving at Chelsea. Those original words had sparked widespread talk of a possible rift between the manager and the club's ownership hierarchy. When asked if he had since spoken with the Chelsea's sporting directors, Maresca responded, "We are in the same building, so we speak about different things. But about the Everton media session, no." The Italian did confirm he would "absolutely" remain at the club next season and called on supporters to keep backing the team". In brighter news, Maresca revealed that sidelined forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return sooner than expected, possibly available for a fixture against Aston Villa on 27 December. Analysis: Unresolved Tension The perceived disconnect between Maresca and the club's hierarchy persists 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 apology offered, creating the disagreement unaddressed. The mood during these press conferences has grown increasingly awkward, leading to fears it could undermine what has up to now been a promising start to the campaign. Chelsea's sporting position is strong: they are in the top four in the Premier League, have reached the Carabao Cup last four, and can secure a better Champions League position with good performances in their remaining matches. The lingering question is whether this behind-the-scenes dynamic might eventually disrupt a team that was just starting to appear cohesive.
Enzo Maresca was once an assistant to Pep Guardiola with Manchester City. Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has branded fresh reports linking him with a return to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay. The Italian manager, who once served as Pep Guardiola's assistant at the Etihad, addressed the ongoing speculation surrounding his future. Maresca, appointed Chelsea manager in the summer of 2024, is under contract that runs through the end of the decade, with a possible extra year available. "It doesn't affect me at all because I know that is completely unfounded," Maresca said. "And at this moment, there is no time for these kind of things." He went on to explain, "First of all, because I have a contract here for several more years. And my focus, I said 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 scheduled to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a lunchtime fixture. Strain After Previous Remarks Maresca's latest comments follow after he referred to a previous two-day spell as his "worst" since arriving at Chelsea. Those original words had sparked widespread talk of a possible rift between the manager and the club's ownership hierarchy. When asked if he had since spoken with the Chelsea's sporting directors, Maresca responded, "We are in the same building, so we speak about different things. But about the Everton media session, no." The Italian did confirm he would "absolutely" remain at the club next season and called on supporters to keep backing the team". In brighter news, Maresca revealed that sidelined forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return sooner than expected, possibly available for a fixture against Aston Villa on 27 December. Analysis: Unresolved Tension The perceived disconnect between Maresca and the club's hierarchy persists 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 apology offered, creating the disagreement unaddressed. The mood during these press conferences has grown increasingly awkward, leading to fears it could undermine what has up to now been a promising start to the campaign. Chelsea's sporting position is strong: they are in the top four in the Premier League, have reached the Carabao Cup last four, and can secure a better Champions League position with good performances in their remaining matches. The lingering question is whether this behind-the-scenes dynamic might eventually disrupt a team that was just starting to appear cohesive.