Enzo Maresca has shut down speculation linking Chelsea with Manchester United winger Alejandro Garnacho, insisting he is “happy” with the strikers he currently has at his disposal.
A report in Sky Sports said the Blues were considering a move for the Argentine, who has recently lost his place in Ruben Amorim's squad in recent weeks.
Amorim declined to confirm whether the 20-year-old will remain at Old Trafford this month, but Chelsea boss Maresca says Stamford Bridge is unlikely to be his destination.
When asked in reports before facing Manchester City on Sunday, the Italian said: “No, no. I am happy with what we have at this moment.
“We have said many times on the right side, it is Pedro (Neto) and Noni (Madueke) and the left side is Jadon (Sancho).
“Misha (Murik) was with us and now he is not with us. I think Terek (George) is a young profile that can help us at this moment, we are fine.”
A trip to Etihad Stadium this weekend. 💪 pic.twitter.com/sq5pz7efwz
– Chelsea FC (@chelseafc) January 23, 2025
Maresca on Man City Struggles: “Pep needs support”
City comfortably edged Chelsea 2-0 in the reverse fixture on the opening day of the season, but the duo have enjoyed contrasting fortunes since.
The defending champions have been through the cracks this term, sitting 12 points clear of leaders Liverpool in fifth place, while a 4-2 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain on Wednesday leaves them on the brink of elimination from the Champions League.
But Maresca, who was manager of manager Pep Guardiola during two spells between 2021 and 2023, is confident the Catalan tactician will restore City to their previous winning ways.
The 44-year-old said: “Pep is strong enough. Like any human being, he needs support. In the last eight or nine years, they have always been at the top, always winning trophies and important things.
“It's normal, it can happen. What doesn't happen is the amount of years they win awards.
“What is normal is what is going on now. Surely, they will be back for many awards soon.
“My relationship with PEP and the club is very good. I have said many times my communication is very good, I will always be grateful for the trust they have shown in me.
“Any club, any moment, any players. Most clubs that have this moment, they're done, but he'll be fine.”
Chelsea injury news
Marisca says replacement striker Cole Palmer is “improving”, having sat out Chelsea's recent FA Cup win over Morecambe, albeit he has since played against Crystal Palace and Wolves in the Premier League.
The Italian said: “He is better. He made an incredible effort to play against Wolves and he is improving.”
On the fitness of his team, Maresca said: “Maybe Levi (Colwell) and Enzo (Fernandez) will be ready (to face Man City), it depends on today’s session.
“Romeo (Lavia) will be out on Saturday. We don't know yet (the severity of the injury). We need to wait a little more, but at least a few weeks (he will be out).”
