🔗 Share this article Blues Manager Maresca Rejects Manchester City Speculation as '100%' Gossip Enzo Maresca previously worked as an assistant to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has labelled recent reports linking him with a return to Manchester City as "100% speculation". The Italian manager, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's assistant in Manchester, 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 possible extension available. "It doesn't affect me at all because I know that is 100% speculation," 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 attention, I have stated many times, is just about this club and I'm very proud to be here. But again, it's rumour. One week ago I was connected to Juventus in Italy. So I ignore it because I know that is without foundation." Chelsea, presently placed fourth in the top flight, are set to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a lunchtime fixture. Tensions Following Recent Comments Maresca's most recent statement come in the wake of he described a recent 48-hour period as his "worst" since joining Chelsea. Those initial remarks 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 club's sporting directors, Maresca responded, "We are in the same facility, so we talk about different things. But about the Everton press conference, no." The manager however affirmed he would definitely stay at the club for the coming campaign and urged supporters to "continue to support the team". In more positive news, Maresca indicated that sidelined attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back 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 persists as an unhealed issue that still create unease. While there has been no deepening of the matter in the open, there has also been no apology forthcoming, creating the matter unresolved. The atmosphere during these press conferences has become notably awkward, leading to fears it could undermine what has up to now been a decent start to the campaign. Chelsea's sporting position is strong: they are fourth in the league, have reached the Carabao Cup semi-finals, and can achieve a better Champions League position with strong results in their remaining matches. The prevailing uncertainty is whether this off-field situation might eventually disrupt a team that was just starting to appear settled.
Enzo Maresca previously worked as an assistant to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has labelled recent reports linking him with a return to Manchester City as "100% speculation". The Italian manager, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's assistant in Manchester, 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 possible extension available. "It doesn't affect me at all because I know that is 100% speculation," 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 attention, I have stated many times, is just about this club and I'm very proud to be here. But again, it's rumour. One week ago I was connected to Juventus in Italy. So I ignore it because I know that is without foundation." Chelsea, presently placed fourth in the top flight, are set to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a lunchtime fixture. Tensions Following Recent Comments Maresca's most recent statement come in the wake of he described a recent 48-hour period as his "worst" since joining Chelsea. Those initial remarks 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 club's sporting directors, Maresca responded, "We are in the same facility, so we talk about different things. But about the Everton press conference, no." The manager however affirmed he would definitely stay at the club for the coming campaign and urged supporters to "continue to support the team". In more positive news, Maresca indicated that sidelined attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back 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 persists as an unhealed issue that still create unease. While there has been no deepening of the matter in the open, there has also been no apology forthcoming, creating the matter unresolved. The atmosphere during these press conferences has become notably awkward, leading to fears it could undermine what has up to now been a decent start to the campaign. Chelsea's sporting position is strong: they are fourth in the league, have reached the Carabao Cup semi-finals, and can achieve a better Champions League position with strong results in their remaining matches. The prevailing uncertainty is whether this off-field situation might eventually disrupt a team that was just starting to appear settled.