🔗 Share this article Blues Manager Maresca Dismisses Manchester 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 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, responded to the ongoing rumours about his future. Maresca, appointed Chelsea boss in the summer of 2024, has a contract running through the end of the decade, with a potential extra year option. "It doesn't affect me at all because I know that is completely unfounded," Maresca stated. "And at this moment, there is little room for such distractions." He further elaborated, Primarily, because I have a contract here for several more years. And my focus, I have stated many times, is just about this club and I'm very proud to be here. But again, it's speculation. One week ago I was connected to Juventus in Italy. So I ignore it because I know that is not true." Chelsea, currently sitting fourth in the Premier League, are scheduled to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a lunchtime fixture. Strain Following Previous Comments Maresca's latest comments come in the wake of he referred to a previous 48-hour period as his "worst" since joining Chelsea. Those initial words had sparked considerable talk of a potential disagreement between the manager and the club's ownership hierarchy. When asked if he had since spoken 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 did confirm he would definitely remain at the club for the coming campaign and urged the fans to keep backing the team". In brighter news, Maresca revealed that sidelined attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return ahead of schedule, potentially available for a fixture against Aston Villa later this month. 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 resolution forthcoming, creating the matter unaddressed. The atmosphere during the manager's press conferences has become notably awkward, leading to concerns it could undermine what has up to now been a promising start to the campaign. Chelsea's sporting position is positive: they are fourth in the league, have qualified for the Carabao Cup last four, and can secure a favourable Champions League position with good performances in their remaining matches. The lingering uncertainty is whether this behind-the-scenes dynamic might eventually disrupt a squad that was just starting to appear settled.
Enzo Maresca was once an coach to Pep Guardiola with Manchester City. Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has branded fresh 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, responded to the ongoing rumours about his future. Maresca, appointed Chelsea boss in the summer of 2024, has a contract running through the end of the decade, with a potential extra year option. "It doesn't affect me at all because I know that is completely unfounded," Maresca stated. "And at this moment, there is little room for such distractions." He further elaborated, Primarily, because I have a contract here for several more years. And my focus, I have stated many times, is just about this club and I'm very proud to be here. But again, it's speculation. One week ago I was connected to Juventus in Italy. So I ignore it because I know that is not true." Chelsea, currently sitting fourth in the Premier League, are scheduled to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a lunchtime fixture. Strain Following Previous Comments Maresca's latest comments come in the wake of he referred to a previous 48-hour period as his "worst" since joining Chelsea. Those initial words had sparked considerable talk of a potential disagreement between the manager and the club's ownership hierarchy. When asked if he had since spoken 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 did confirm he would definitely remain at the club for the coming campaign and urged the fans to keep backing the team". In brighter news, Maresca revealed that sidelined attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return ahead of schedule, potentially available for a fixture against Aston Villa later this month. 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 resolution forthcoming, creating the matter unaddressed. The atmosphere during the manager's press conferences has become notably awkward, leading to concerns it could undermine what has up to now been a promising start to the campaign. Chelsea's sporting position is positive: they are fourth in the league, have qualified for the Carabao Cup last four, and can secure a favourable Champions League position with good performances in their remaining matches. The lingering uncertainty is whether this behind-the-scenes dynamic might eventually disrupt a squad that was just starting to appear settled.