🔗 Share this article Chelsea Manager Maresca Dismisses Man City Speculation as '100%' Rumour Enzo Maresca was once an coach to Pep Guardiola with Manchester City. Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has branded fresh talk linking him with a return to Manchester City as "100% speculation". The Italian manager, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's assistant at the Etihad, addressed the ongoing rumours about his future. Maresca, named Chelsea boss in June 2024, has a contract that runs through the end of the decade, with a possible extension option. "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 these kind of things." He further elaborated, "First of all, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my attention, 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 connected to Juventus in Italy. So I ignore it because I know that is not true." Chelsea, presently placed in fourth position in the top flight, are scheduled to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a lunchtime fixture. Strain After Recent Remarks Maresca's most recent comments come in the wake of he referred to a previous 48-hour period as his "worst" since arriving at Chelsea. Those initial remarks had fueled considerable talk of a potential disagreement between the manager and the club's key decision-makers. When asked if he had since spoken with the club's sporting directors, Maresca replied, "We are in the same facility, so we speak about various topics. But about the post-Everton media session, no." The Italian did confirm he would definitely remain at the club next season and called on supporters to "continue to support the team". In brighter news, Maresca indicated that injured attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return sooner than expected, possibly available for a match against Aston Villa later this month. Analysis: Unresolved Tension The apparent disconnect between Maresca and the Chelsea board persists as an open wound that continues to create unease. While there has been no further escalation of the situation in the open, there has also been no resolution offered, creating the matter unresolved. The mood during these media briefings has grown notably strained, leading to concerns it could undermine what has otherwise been a decent start 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 favourable European position with strong results in their remaining matches. The lingering question is whether this off-field dynamic might begin to disrupt a squad that was beginning to appear settled.
Enzo Maresca was once an coach to Pep Guardiola with Manchester City. Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has branded fresh talk linking him with a return to Manchester City as "100% speculation". The Italian manager, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's assistant at the Etihad, addressed the ongoing rumours about his future. Maresca, named Chelsea boss in June 2024, has a contract that runs through the end of the decade, with a possible extension option. "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 these kind of things." He further elaborated, "First of all, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my attention, 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 connected to Juventus in Italy. So I ignore it because I know that is not true." Chelsea, presently placed in fourth position in the top flight, are scheduled to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a lunchtime fixture. Strain After Recent Remarks Maresca's most recent comments come in the wake of he referred to a previous 48-hour period as his "worst" since arriving at Chelsea. Those initial remarks had fueled considerable talk of a potential disagreement between the manager and the club's key decision-makers. When asked if he had since spoken with the club's sporting directors, Maresca replied, "We are in the same facility, so we speak about various topics. But about the post-Everton media session, no." The Italian did confirm he would definitely remain at the club next season and called on supporters to "continue to support the team". In brighter news, Maresca indicated that injured attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return sooner than expected, possibly available for a match against Aston Villa later this month. Analysis: Unresolved Tension The apparent disconnect between Maresca and the Chelsea board persists as an open wound that continues to create unease. While there has been no further escalation of the situation in the open, there has also been no resolution offered, creating the matter unresolved. The mood during these media briefings has grown notably strained, leading to concerns it could undermine what has otherwise been a decent start 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 favourable European position with strong results in their remaining matches. The lingering question is whether this off-field dynamic might begin to disrupt a squad that was beginning to appear settled.