🔗 Share this article Chelsea Manager Maresca Dismisses Man City Speculation as Pure Rumour Enzo Maresca previously worked as an coach to Pep Guardiola with Manchester City. Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has labelled recent reports linking him with a move to Manchester City as "100% speculation". The 45-year-old, who once served as Pep Guardiola's assistant at the Etihad, addressed the ongoing speculation about his next move. Maresca, appointed Chelsea boss in June 2024, is under contract that runs until 2029, with a possible extension option. "It doesn't bother me at all because I know that is 100% speculation," Maresca said. "And at this moment, there is little room for these kind of things." He further elaborated, "First of all, because I have a contract here for several more years. And my attention, I have stated many times, is just about this club and I'm honoured to be here. But again, it's rumour. One week ago I was linked with Juventus in Italy. So I ignore it because I know that is without foundation." Chelsea, currently sitting in fourth position in the top flight, are scheduled to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a 12:30 GMT kick-off. Strain After Previous Remarks Maresca's latest statement come in the wake of he referred to a recent two-day spell as his most difficult since joining Chelsea. Those initial words had sparked widespread speculation of a potential rift between the manager and the club's key decision-makers. When pressed if he had since spoken with the Chelsea's leadership, Maresca responded, "We are in the same facility, so we speak about various topics. But about the post-Everton media session, no." The Italian however affirmed he would definitely remain at the club for the coming campaign and urged supporters to keep backing the team". In more positive news, Maresca revealed that sidelined forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back ahead of schedule, potentially in contention for a match against Aston Villa later this month. Perspective: Unresolved Tension The apparent disconnect between Maresca and the Chelsea board remains as an open wound that continues to cause concern. While there has been no further escalation of the situation in the open, there has also been no apology offered, creating the matter unaddressed. The mood during the manager's press conferences has grown increasingly awkward, leading to fears it could impact what has up to now been a promising beginning to the season. Chelsea's on-field position is strong: they are fourth in the league, have reached the League Cup last four, and can achieve a favourable European position with good results in their final games. The lingering question is whether this off-field situation might eventually affect a squad that was just starting to appear settled.
Enzo Maresca previously worked as an coach to Pep Guardiola with Manchester City. Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has labelled recent reports linking him with a move to Manchester City as "100% speculation". The 45-year-old, who once served as Pep Guardiola's assistant at the Etihad, addressed the ongoing speculation about his next move. Maresca, appointed Chelsea boss in June 2024, is under contract that runs until 2029, with a possible extension option. "It doesn't bother me at all because I know that is 100% speculation," Maresca said. "And at this moment, there is little room for these kind of things." He further elaborated, "First of all, because I have a contract here for several more years. And my attention, I have stated many times, is just about this club and I'm honoured to be here. But again, it's rumour. One week ago I was linked with Juventus in Italy. So I ignore it because I know that is without foundation." Chelsea, currently sitting in fourth position in the top flight, are scheduled to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a 12:30 GMT kick-off. Strain After Previous Remarks Maresca's latest statement come in the wake of he referred to a recent two-day spell as his most difficult since joining Chelsea. Those initial words had sparked widespread speculation of a potential rift between the manager and the club's key decision-makers. When pressed if he had since spoken with the Chelsea's leadership, Maresca responded, "We are in the same facility, so we speak about various topics. But about the post-Everton media session, no." The Italian however affirmed he would definitely remain at the club for the coming campaign and urged supporters to keep backing the team". In more positive news, Maresca revealed that sidelined forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back ahead of schedule, potentially in contention for a match against Aston Villa later this month. Perspective: Unresolved Tension The apparent disconnect between Maresca and the Chelsea board remains as an open wound that continues to cause concern. While there has been no further escalation of the situation in the open, there has also been no apology offered, creating the matter unaddressed. The mood during the manager's press conferences has grown increasingly awkward, leading to fears it could impact what has up to now been a promising beginning to the season. Chelsea's on-field position is strong: they are fourth in the league, have reached the League Cup last four, and can achieve a favourable European position with good results in their final games. The lingering question is whether this off-field situation might eventually affect a squad that was just starting to appear settled.