🔗 Share this article Blues Manager Maresca Rejects Man City Speculation as Pure Gossip Enzo Maresca was once an coach to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has labelled recent reports connecting him with a return 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 ongoing speculation surrounding his next move. Maresca, named Chelsea boss in June 2024, is under contract running through the end of the decade, with a possible extra year available. "It doesn't bother 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, Primarily, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my focus, I have stated many times, is solely on this club and I'm very proud to be here. But again, it's rumour. One week ago I was linked with Juventus in Italy. So I don't pay attention because I know that is without foundation." Chelsea, currently sitting in fourth position in the top flight, are set to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a 12:30 GMT fixture. Strain After Previous Remarks Maresca's most recent comments follow in the wake of he described a recent 48-hour period as his most difficult since joining Chelsea. Those initial words had fueled widespread speculation of a potential disagreement 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 Italian however affirmed he would definitely remain at the club for the coming campaign and urged supporters to "continue to support the team". In brighter news, Maresca revealed that injured forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back ahead of schedule, potentially available for a fixture against Aston Villa on 27 December. Analysis: Unresolved Tension The apparent disconnect between Maresca and the club's hierarchy persists as an open wound that still create unease. While there has been no further escalation of the matter publicly, there has equally been no resolution offered, leaving the matter unresolved. The mood during the manager's media briefings has grown increasingly awkward, leading to concerns it could undermine what has otherwise been a decent beginning to the season. Chelsea's sporting position is positive: they are fourth in the Premier League, have reached the Carabao Cup last four, and can achieve a favourable European draw with strong results in their final games. The prevailing question is whether this behind-the-scenes situation might eventually disrupt a squad that was beginning to look settled.
Enzo Maresca was once an coach to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has labelled recent reports connecting him with a return 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 ongoing speculation surrounding his next move. Maresca, named Chelsea boss in June 2024, is under contract running through the end of the decade, with a possible extra year available. "It doesn't bother 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, Primarily, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my focus, I have stated many times, is solely on this club and I'm very proud to be here. But again, it's rumour. One week ago I was linked with Juventus in Italy. So I don't pay attention because I know that is without foundation." Chelsea, currently sitting in fourth position in the top flight, are set to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a 12:30 GMT fixture. Strain After Previous Remarks Maresca's most recent comments follow in the wake of he described a recent 48-hour period as his most difficult since joining Chelsea. Those initial words had fueled widespread speculation of a potential disagreement 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 Italian however affirmed he would definitely remain at the club for the coming campaign and urged supporters to "continue to support the team". In brighter news, Maresca revealed that injured forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back ahead of schedule, potentially available for a fixture against Aston Villa on 27 December. Analysis: Unresolved Tension The apparent disconnect between Maresca and the club's hierarchy persists as an open wound that still create unease. While there has been no further escalation of the matter publicly, there has equally been no resolution offered, leaving the matter unresolved. The mood during the manager's media briefings has grown increasingly awkward, leading to concerns it could undermine what has otherwise been a decent beginning to the season. Chelsea's sporting position is positive: they are fourth in the Premier League, have reached the Carabao Cup last four, and can achieve a favourable European draw with strong results in their final games. The prevailing question is whether this behind-the-scenes situation might eventually disrupt a squad that was beginning to look settled.