🔗 Share this article Blues Boss Maresca Dismisses 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 branded recent reports connecting him with a return to Manchester City as "100% speculation". The 45-year-old, who once served as Pep Guardiola's assistant at the Etihad, responded to the ongoing rumours about his future. Maresca, appointed Chelsea manager in the summer of 2024, has a contract that runs until 2029, with a potential extra year option. "It doesn't bother me at all because I know that is completely unfounded," Maresca stated. "And at this moment, there is no time 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 just about this club and I'm honoured to be here. But again, it's speculation. One week ago I was linked with Juventus in Italy. So I don't pay attention because I know that is not true." Chelsea, presently placed in fourth position in the Premier League, are set to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a 12:30 GMT fixture. Tensions After Previous Remarks Maresca's most recent statement come in the wake of he described a previous 48-hour period as his most difficult since joining Chelsea. Those original remarks had fueled widespread talk of a possible rift between the manager and the club's ownership hierarchy. When asked if he had discussed matters with the Chelsea's leadership, Maresca replied, "We are in the same facility, so we talk about different things. But about the Everton media session, no." The manager did confirm he would "absolutely" stay at the club next season and called on the fans to keep backing the team". In more positive news, Maresca revealed that sidelined attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back ahead of schedule, potentially in contention for a fixture against Aston Villa later this month. Perspective: Unresolved Tension The apparent strain between Maresca and the Chelsea board persists as an open wound that continues to cause concern. While there has been no further escalation of the situation publicly, there has also been no resolution offered, creating the matter unaddressed. The mood during the manager's media briefings has grown increasingly awkward, raising fears it could impact what has up to now been a promising beginning to the campaign. Chelsea's on-field position is positive: they are in the top four in the league, have reached the League Cup last four, and can secure a better Champions League position with good results in their final games. The lingering uncertainty is whether this off-field dynamic might eventually disrupt a team that was just starting to look cohesive.
Enzo Maresca previously worked as an assistant to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has branded recent reports connecting him with a return to Manchester City as "100% speculation". The 45-year-old, who once served as Pep Guardiola's assistant at the Etihad, responded to the ongoing rumours about his future. Maresca, appointed Chelsea manager in the summer of 2024, has a contract that runs until 2029, with a potential extra year option. "It doesn't bother me at all because I know that is completely unfounded," Maresca stated. "And at this moment, there is no time 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 just about this club and I'm honoured to be here. But again, it's speculation. One week ago I was linked with Juventus in Italy. So I don't pay attention because I know that is not true." Chelsea, presently placed in fourth position in the Premier League, are set to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a 12:30 GMT fixture. Tensions After Previous Remarks Maresca's most recent statement come in the wake of he described a previous 48-hour period as his most difficult since joining Chelsea. Those original remarks had fueled widespread talk of a possible rift between the manager and the club's ownership hierarchy. When asked if he had discussed matters with the Chelsea's leadership, Maresca replied, "We are in the same facility, so we talk about different things. But about the Everton media session, no." The manager did confirm he would "absolutely" stay at the club next season and called on the fans to keep backing the team". In more positive news, Maresca revealed that sidelined attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back ahead of schedule, potentially in contention for a fixture against Aston Villa later this month. Perspective: Unresolved Tension The apparent strain between Maresca and the Chelsea board persists as an open wound that continues to cause concern. While there has been no further escalation of the situation publicly, there has also been no resolution offered, creating the matter unaddressed. The mood during the manager's media briefings has grown increasingly awkward, raising fears it could impact what has up to now been a promising beginning to the campaign. Chelsea's on-field position is positive: they are in the top four in the league, have reached the League Cup last four, and can secure a better Champions League position with good results in their final games. The lingering uncertainty is whether this off-field dynamic might eventually disrupt a team that was just starting to look cohesive.