🔗 Share this article Blues Manager Maresca Rejects Man City Speculation as '100%' Rumour Enzo Maresca previously worked as an assistant to Pep Guardiola with Manchester City. Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has labelled fresh reports connecting him with a move to Manchester City as "100% speculation". The Italian manager, who once served as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man in Manchester, addressed the persistent speculation surrounding his next move. Maresca, named Chelsea manager in the summer of 2024, is under 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 completely unfounded," Maresca stated. "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 until 2029. And my focus, I said many times, is solely on this club and I'm very proud to be here. But again, it's speculation. One week ago I was linked with Juventus in Italy. So I don't pay attention because I know that is without foundation." Chelsea, currently sitting in fourth position in the Premier League, are scheduled to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a lunchtime kick-off. Tensions Following Recent Comments Maresca's latest statement follow after he referred to a recent two-day spell as his most difficult since arriving at Chelsea. Those original remarks had sparked considerable speculation of a potential disagreement between the manager and the club's key decision-makers. When pressed if he had discussed matters with the club's leadership, Maresca replied, "We are in the same building, so we talk about different things. But about the post-Everton press conference, no." The manager however affirmed he would definitely stay at the club for the coming campaign and urged supporters to keep backing the team". In more positive news, Maresca indicated that injured forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back ahead of schedule, possibly available for a match against Aston Villa later this month. Perspective: An 'Open Wound' The apparent disconnect between Maresca and the Chelsea board remains as an unhealed issue that continues to create unease. While there has been no further escalation of the matter publicly, there has equally been no apology offered, leaving the matter unaddressed. The mood during the manager's media briefings has become notably awkward, raising fears it could impact what has otherwise been a promising beginning to the campaign. Chelsea's sporting position is strong: they are in the top four in the Premier League, have reached the League Cup last four, and can achieve a better Champions League position with strong results in their remaining games. The prevailing uncertainty is whether this behind-the-scenes dynamic might eventually affect a team that was just starting to look settled.
Enzo Maresca previously worked as an assistant to Pep Guardiola with Manchester City. Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has labelled fresh reports connecting him with a move to Manchester City as "100% speculation". The Italian manager, who once served as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man in Manchester, addressed the persistent speculation surrounding his next move. Maresca, named Chelsea manager in the summer of 2024, is under 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 completely unfounded," Maresca stated. "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 until 2029. And my focus, I said many times, is solely on this club and I'm very proud to be here. But again, it's speculation. One week ago I was linked with Juventus in Italy. So I don't pay attention because I know that is without foundation." Chelsea, currently sitting in fourth position in the Premier League, are scheduled to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a lunchtime kick-off. Tensions Following Recent Comments Maresca's latest statement follow after he referred to a recent two-day spell as his most difficult since arriving at Chelsea. Those original remarks had sparked considerable speculation of a potential disagreement between the manager and the club's key decision-makers. When pressed if he had discussed matters with the club's leadership, Maresca replied, "We are in the same building, so we talk about different things. But about the post-Everton press conference, no." The manager however affirmed he would definitely stay at the club for the coming campaign and urged supporters to keep backing the team". In more positive news, Maresca indicated that injured forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back ahead of schedule, possibly available for a match against Aston Villa later this month. Perspective: An 'Open Wound' The apparent disconnect between Maresca and the Chelsea board remains as an unhealed issue that continues to create unease. While there has been no further escalation of the matter publicly, there has equally been no apology offered, leaving the matter unaddressed. The mood during the manager's media briefings has become notably awkward, raising fears it could impact what has otherwise been a promising beginning to the campaign. Chelsea's sporting position is strong: they are in the top four in the Premier League, have reached the League Cup last four, and can achieve a better Champions League position with strong results in their remaining games. The prevailing uncertainty is whether this behind-the-scenes dynamic might eventually affect a team that was just starting to look settled.