🔗 Share this article Blues Boss Maresca Dismisses Man City Links as '100%' Rumour Enzo Maresca previously worked as an assistant to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has labelled recent reports linking him with a move to Manchester City as "100% speculation". The Italian manager, who once served as Pep Guardiola's assistant at the Etihad, addressed the persistent speculation surrounding his future. Maresca, named Chelsea manager in the summer of 2024, has a contract running through the end of the decade, with a possible extra year option. "It doesn't bother me at all because I know that is completely unfounded," Maresca said. "And at this moment, there is no time for such distractions." He further elaborated, Primarily, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my focus, I have stated many times, is just about 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 ignore it because I know that is not true." Chelsea, currently sitting in fourth position in the Premier League, are scheduled to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a 12:30 GMT fixture. Tensions After Recent Comments Maresca's most recent statement follow in the wake of he referred to a recent 48-hour period as his "worst" since arriving at Chelsea. Those initial words had fueled widespread talk of a potential disagreement between the coach and the club's ownership hierarchy. When pressed if he had since spoken with the club's leadership, Maresca responded, "We are in the same building, so we talk about different things. But about the post-Everton media session, no." The manager however affirmed he would definitely remain at the club next season and urged supporters to keep backing the team". In more positive news, Maresca revealed that injured attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return ahead of schedule, possibly available for a match against Aston Villa on 27 December. Analysis: An 'Open Wound' The perceived disconnect between Maresca and the Chelsea board remains as an unhealed issue that still create unease. While there has been no further escalation of the matter publicly, there has also been no apology forthcoming, creating the matter unaddressed. The mood during these press conferences has grown notably awkward, leading to concerns it could impact what has otherwise been a promising beginning to the season. Chelsea's sporting situation is positive: they are in the top four in the Premier League, have reached the League Cup last four, and can secure a favourable European draw with good performances in their final matches. The lingering question is whether this behind-the-scenes situation might eventually affect a team that was just starting to look cohesive.
Enzo Maresca previously worked as an assistant to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has labelled recent reports linking him with a move to Manchester City as "100% speculation". The Italian manager, who once served as Pep Guardiola's assistant at the Etihad, addressed the persistent speculation surrounding his future. Maresca, named Chelsea manager in the summer of 2024, has a contract running through the end of the decade, with a possible extra year option. "It doesn't bother me at all because I know that is completely unfounded," Maresca said. "And at this moment, there is no time for such distractions." He further elaborated, Primarily, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my focus, I have stated many times, is just about 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 ignore it because I know that is not true." Chelsea, currently sitting in fourth position in the Premier League, are scheduled to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a 12:30 GMT fixture. Tensions After Recent Comments Maresca's most recent statement follow in the wake of he referred to a recent 48-hour period as his "worst" since arriving at Chelsea. Those initial words had fueled widespread talk of a potential disagreement between the coach and the club's ownership hierarchy. When pressed if he had since spoken with the club's leadership, Maresca responded, "We are in the same building, so we talk about different things. But about the post-Everton media session, no." The manager however affirmed he would definitely remain at the club next season and urged supporters to keep backing the team". In more positive news, Maresca revealed that injured attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return ahead of schedule, possibly available for a match against Aston Villa on 27 December. Analysis: An 'Open Wound' The perceived disconnect between Maresca and the Chelsea board remains as an unhealed issue that still create unease. While there has been no further escalation of the matter publicly, there has also been no apology forthcoming, creating the matter unaddressed. The mood during these press conferences has grown notably awkward, leading to concerns it could impact what has otherwise been a promising beginning to the season. Chelsea's sporting situation is positive: they are in the top four in the Premier League, have reached the League Cup last four, and can secure a favourable European draw with good performances in their final matches. The lingering question is whether this behind-the-scenes situation might eventually affect a team that was just starting to look cohesive.