🔗 Share this article Blues Boss Maresca Dismisses Man City Speculation as Pure Gossip Enzo Maresca was once an coach to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has branded recent talk linking him with a move to Manchester City as "100% speculation". The Italian manager, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's assistant in Manchester, addressed the ongoing rumours about his next move. Maresca, appointed Chelsea boss in June 2024, has a 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 stated. "And at this moment, there is no time for such distractions." He further elaborated, "First of all, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my focus, I have stated many times, is solely on this club and I'm honoured to be here. But again, it's speculation. One week ago I was linked with 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 top flight, are scheduled to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a lunchtime kick-off. Tensions Following Previous Remarks Maresca's most recent statement come in the wake of he referred to a previous 48-hour period as his most difficult since joining Chelsea. Those original remarks had fueled widespread talk of a possible disagreement between the coach and the club's ownership hierarchy. When asked if he had since spoken with the club's leadership, Maresca replied, "We are in the same building, so we talk about different things. But about the Everton press conference, no." The manager did confirm he would definitely remain at the club next season and urged supporters to keep backing the team". In more positive news, Maresca revealed that injured attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back sooner than expected, potentially in contention for a match against Aston Villa on 27 December. Analysis: An 'Open Wound' The perceived strain between Maresca and the Chelsea board remains as an unhealed issue that still create unease. While there has been no further escalation of the situation in the open, there has equally been no resolution forthcoming, leaving the matter unresolved. The atmosphere during the manager's media briefings has become increasingly strained, leading to concerns it could undermine what has otherwise been a promising beginning to the season. Chelsea's on-field situation 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 draw with strong results in their remaining games. The prevailing uncertainty is whether this behind-the-scenes dynamic might eventually affect a squad that was just starting to appear settled.
Enzo Maresca was once an coach to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has branded recent talk linking him with a move to Manchester City as "100% speculation". The Italian manager, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's assistant in Manchester, addressed the ongoing rumours about his next move. Maresca, appointed Chelsea boss in June 2024, has a 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 stated. "And at this moment, there is no time for such distractions." He further elaborated, "First of all, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my focus, I have stated many times, is solely on this club and I'm honoured to be here. But again, it's speculation. One week ago I was linked with 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 top flight, are scheduled to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a lunchtime kick-off. Tensions Following Previous Remarks Maresca's most recent statement come in the wake of he referred to a previous 48-hour period as his most difficult since joining Chelsea. Those original remarks had fueled widespread talk of a possible disagreement between the coach and the club's ownership hierarchy. When asked if he had since spoken with the club's leadership, Maresca replied, "We are in the same building, so we talk about different things. But about the Everton press conference, no." The manager did confirm he would definitely remain at the club next season and urged supporters to keep backing the team". In more positive news, Maresca revealed that injured attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back sooner than expected, potentially in contention for a match against Aston Villa on 27 December. Analysis: An 'Open Wound' The perceived strain between Maresca and the Chelsea board remains as an unhealed issue that still create unease. While there has been no further escalation of the situation in the open, there has equally been no resolution forthcoming, leaving the matter unresolved. The atmosphere during the manager's media briefings has become increasingly strained, leading to concerns it could undermine what has otherwise been a promising beginning to the season. Chelsea's on-field situation 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 draw with strong results in their remaining games. The prevailing uncertainty is whether this behind-the-scenes dynamic might eventually affect a squad that was just starting to appear settled.