🔗 Share this article Blues Manager Maresca Dismisses Man City Speculation as '100%' Rumour Enzo Maresca was once an coach to Pep Guardiola with Manchester City. Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has branded fresh reports linking him with a move to Manchester City as "100% speculation". The Italian manager, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's assistant at the Etihad, responded to the ongoing speculation surrounding his next move. Maresca, named Chelsea manager in June 2024, is under 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 little room for such distractions." He further elaborated, "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 connected to a role in Italy with Juventus. So I ignore it because I know that is without foundation." Chelsea, presently placed fourth in the top flight, are scheduled to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a 12:30 GMT kick-off. Strain Following Previous Remarks Maresca's latest comments come in the wake of he referred to a recent two-day spell as his "worst" since joining Chelsea. Those initial remarks had sparked widespread speculation of a potential disagreement between the manager and the club's ownership hierarchy. When asked if he had discussed matters with the club's sporting directors, Maresca replied, "We are in the same building, so we speak about various topics. But about the Everton press conference, no." The Italian however affirmed he would "absolutely" stay at the club for the coming campaign and urged the fans 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 in contention for a fixture against Aston Villa on 27 December. Perspective: Unresolved Tension The perceived strain between Maresca and the club's hierarchy persists 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 forthcoming, creating the matter unresolved. The atmosphere during the manager's media briefings has grown notably strained, raising concerns it could undermine what has otherwise been a promising start to the campaign. Chelsea's on-field situation is positive: they are fourth in the Premier League, have reached the League Cup semi-finals, and can secure a favourable Champions League draw with good performances in their remaining matches. The lingering uncertainty is whether this off-field situation might eventually disrupt a squad that was beginning to appear settled.
Enzo Maresca was once an coach to Pep Guardiola with Manchester City. Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has branded fresh reports linking him with a move to Manchester City as "100% speculation". The Italian manager, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's assistant at the Etihad, responded to the ongoing speculation surrounding his next move. Maresca, named Chelsea manager in June 2024, is under 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 little room for such distractions." He further elaborated, "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 connected to a role in Italy with Juventus. So I ignore it because I know that is without foundation." Chelsea, presently placed fourth in the top flight, are scheduled to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a 12:30 GMT kick-off. Strain Following Previous Remarks Maresca's latest comments come in the wake of he referred to a recent two-day spell as his "worst" since joining Chelsea. Those initial remarks had sparked widespread speculation of a potential disagreement between the manager and the club's ownership hierarchy. When asked if he had discussed matters with the club's sporting directors, Maresca replied, "We are in the same building, so we speak about various topics. But about the Everton press conference, no." The Italian however affirmed he would "absolutely" stay at the club for the coming campaign and urged the fans 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 in contention for a fixture against Aston Villa on 27 December. Perspective: Unresolved Tension The perceived strain between Maresca and the club's hierarchy persists 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 forthcoming, creating the matter unresolved. The atmosphere during the manager's media briefings has grown notably strained, raising concerns it could undermine what has otherwise been a promising start to the campaign. Chelsea's on-field situation is positive: they are fourth in the Premier League, have reached the League Cup semi-finals, and can secure a favourable Champions League draw with good performances in their remaining matches. The lingering uncertainty is whether this off-field situation might eventually disrupt a squad that was beginning to appear settled.