🔗 Share this article Blues Boss Maresca Dismisses Man City Links as Pure Gossip Enzo Maresca previously worked as an assistant to Pep Guardiola with Manchester City. Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has labelled fresh reports linking him with a return to Manchester City as "100% speculation". The Italian manager, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man at the Etihad, responded to the persistent rumours about his next move. Maresca, named Chelsea manager in the summer of 2024, is under contract running until 2029, with a possible extra year option. "It doesn't affect me at all because I know that is 100% speculation," Maresca stated. "And at this moment, there is no time for these kind of things." He went on to explain, Primarily, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my attention, I said many times, is solely on this club and I'm very proud to be here. But again, it's rumour. One week ago I was connected to a role in Italy with Juventus. So I don't pay attention because I know that is without foundation." Chelsea, presently placed fourth in the top flight, are set to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a lunchtime kick-off. Tensions After Previous Remarks Maresca's latest statement follow after he described a previous 48-hour period as his "worst" since arriving at Chelsea. Those original words had fueled considerable speculation of a potential disagreement between the coach and the club's key decision-makers. When pressed if he had discussed matters with the Chelsea's sporting directors, Maresca responded, "We are in the same building, so we speak about various topics. But about the post-Everton press conference, no." The manager did confirm he would "absolutely" remain at the club next season and called on the fans to "continue to support the team". In brighter news, Maresca indicated that injured forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back sooner than expected, potentially in contention for a match against Aston Villa later this month. Perspective: An 'Open Wound' The perceived disconnect between Maresca and the Chelsea board remains as an open wound that continues to cause concern. While there has been no deepening of the matter publicly, there has also been no apology offered, creating the matter unresolved. The atmosphere during these press conferences has grown increasingly strained, raising concerns it could impact what has otherwise been a promising start to the season. Chelsea's on-field position is strong: they are in the top four in the league, have reached the League Cup last four, and can achieve a favourable Champions League draw with strong results in their final games. The prevailing question is whether this behind-the-scenes dynamic might begin to disrupt a team that was beginning 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 linking him with a return to Manchester City as "100% speculation". The Italian manager, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man at the Etihad, responded to the persistent rumours about his next move. Maresca, named Chelsea manager in the summer of 2024, is under contract running until 2029, with a possible extra year option. "It doesn't affect me at all because I know that is 100% speculation," Maresca stated. "And at this moment, there is no time for these kind of things." He went on to explain, Primarily, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my attention, I said many times, is solely on this club and I'm very proud to be here. But again, it's rumour. One week ago I was connected to a role in Italy with Juventus. So I don't pay attention because I know that is without foundation." Chelsea, presently placed fourth in the top flight, are set to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a lunchtime kick-off. Tensions After Previous Remarks Maresca's latest statement follow after he described a previous 48-hour period as his "worst" since arriving at Chelsea. Those original words had fueled considerable speculation of a potential disagreement between the coach and the club's key decision-makers. When pressed if he had discussed matters with the Chelsea's sporting directors, Maresca responded, "We are in the same building, so we speak about various topics. But about the post-Everton press conference, no." The manager did confirm he would "absolutely" remain at the club next season and called on the fans to "continue to support the team". In brighter news, Maresca indicated that injured forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back sooner than expected, potentially in contention for a match against Aston Villa later this month. Perspective: An 'Open Wound' The perceived disconnect between Maresca and the Chelsea board remains as an open wound that continues to cause concern. While there has been no deepening of the matter publicly, there has also been no apology offered, creating the matter unresolved. The atmosphere during these press conferences has grown increasingly strained, raising concerns it could impact what has otherwise been a promising start to the season. Chelsea's on-field position is strong: they are in the top four in the league, have reached the League Cup last four, and can achieve a favourable Champions League draw with strong results in their final games. The prevailing question is whether this behind-the-scenes dynamic might begin to disrupt a team that was beginning to look settled.