🔗 Share this article Chelsea Manager Maresca Rejects 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 branded fresh talk linking him with a move to Manchester City as "100% speculation". The 45-year-old, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man at the Etihad, addressed the persistent speculation about his next move. Maresca, appointed Chelsea boss in the summer of 2024, is under contract that runs until 2029, with a potential 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 little room for such distractions." He went on to explain, "First of all, because I have a contract here for several more years. And my attention, 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 connected to a role in Italy with Juventus. So I don't pay attention because I know that is without foundation." Chelsea, presently placed in fourth position in the Premier League, are set to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a lunchtime kick-off. Strain After Previous Remarks Maresca's most recent statement follow after he referred to a recent 48-hour period as his "worst" since arriving at Chelsea. Those initial words had sparked widespread talk of a potential rift between the coach and the club's ownership hierarchy. When pressed if he had discussed matters with the Chelsea's sporting directors, Maresca replied, "We are in the same building, so we speak about different things. But about the Everton media session, no." The manager did confirm he would definitely stay at the club next season and urged the fans to keep backing the team". In brighter news, Maresca indicated that sidelined attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back sooner than expected, 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 open wound that continues to create unease. While there has been no further escalation of the situation publicly, there has equally been no apology offered, leaving the disagreement unaddressed. The atmosphere during the manager's press conferences has become notably strained, leading to concerns it could impact what has otherwise been a decent start to the season. Chelsea's on-field position is strong: they are in the top four in the league, have qualified for the League Cup last four, and can achieve a favourable Champions League position with good results in their remaining matches. The lingering question is whether this behind-the-scenes dynamic might begin to affect a squad that was just starting to look settled.
Enzo Maresca previously worked as an coach to Pep Guardiola with Manchester City. Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has branded fresh talk linking him with a move to Manchester City as "100% speculation". The 45-year-old, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man at the Etihad, addressed the persistent speculation about his next move. Maresca, appointed Chelsea boss in the summer of 2024, is under contract that runs until 2029, with a potential 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 little room for such distractions." He went on to explain, "First of all, because I have a contract here for several more years. And my attention, 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 connected to a role in Italy with Juventus. So I don't pay attention because I know that is without foundation." Chelsea, presently placed in fourth position in the Premier League, are set to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a lunchtime kick-off. Strain After Previous Remarks Maresca's most recent statement follow after he referred to a recent 48-hour period as his "worst" since arriving at Chelsea. Those initial words had sparked widespread talk of a potential rift between the coach and the club's ownership hierarchy. When pressed if he had discussed matters with the Chelsea's sporting directors, Maresca replied, "We are in the same building, so we speak about different things. But about the Everton media session, no." The manager did confirm he would definitely stay at the club next season and urged the fans to keep backing the team". In brighter news, Maresca indicated that sidelined attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back sooner than expected, 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 open wound that continues to create unease. While there has been no further escalation of the situation publicly, there has equally been no apology offered, leaving the disagreement unaddressed. The atmosphere during the manager's press conferences has become notably strained, leading to concerns it could impact what has otherwise been a decent start to the season. Chelsea's on-field position is strong: they are in the top four in the league, have qualified for the League Cup last four, and can achieve a favourable Champions League position with good results in their remaining matches. The lingering question is whether this behind-the-scenes dynamic might begin to affect a squad that was just starting to look settled.