🔗 Share this article Blues Manager Maresca Rejects Man City Links as Pure Gossip Enzo Maresca previously worked as an assistant to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has labelled recent reports linking him with a move to Manchester City as "100% speculation". The 45-year-old, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man in Manchester, addressed the ongoing speculation surrounding his next move. Maresca, named Chelsea manager in the summer of 2024, has a contract that runs through the end of the decade, with a possible extra year option. "It doesn't bother me at all because I know that is completely unfounded," Maresca said. "And at this moment, there is little room for these kind of things." He further elaborated, Primarily, because I have a contract here for several more years. And my focus, 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 connected to a role in Italy with Juventus. So I don't pay attention because I know that is not true." Chelsea, currently sitting fourth in the top flight, are scheduled to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a 12:30 GMT kick-off. Strain Following Previous Comments Maresca's most recent statement follow in the wake of he described a previous 48-hour period as his "worst" since arriving at Chelsea. Those original remarks had fueled widespread speculation of a possible rift between the coach and the club's ownership hierarchy. When asked if he had discussed matters with the club's sporting directors, Maresca replied, "We are in the same facility, so we talk about different things. But about the post-Everton media session, no." The manager however affirmed he would "absolutely" stay at the club next season and called on supporters to keep backing the team". In brighter news, Maresca indicated that sidelined forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return sooner than expected, potentially available for a match against Aston Villa later this month. Perspective: Unresolved Tension The perceived disconnect between Maresca and the Chelsea board persists as an unhealed issue that continues to create unease. While there has been no further escalation of the matter in the open, there has equally been no apology offered, leaving the disagreement unresolved. The atmosphere during the manager's press conferences has become increasingly strained, raising fears it could undermine what has otherwise been a decent beginning to the season. Chelsea's on-field position is strong: they are fourth in the Premier League, have qualified for the League Cup semi-finals, and can secure a favourable Champions League position with strong performances in their final matches. The lingering question is whether this behind-the-scenes dynamic might eventually disrupt a team that was beginning to look settled.
Enzo Maresca previously worked as an assistant to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has labelled recent reports linking him with a move to Manchester City as "100% speculation". The 45-year-old, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man in Manchester, addressed the ongoing speculation surrounding his next move. Maresca, named Chelsea manager in the summer of 2024, has a contract that runs through the end of the decade, with a possible extra year option. "It doesn't bother me at all because I know that is completely unfounded," Maresca said. "And at this moment, there is little room for these kind of things." He further elaborated, Primarily, because I have a contract here for several more years. And my focus, 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 connected to a role in Italy with Juventus. So I don't pay attention because I know that is not true." Chelsea, currently sitting fourth in the top flight, are scheduled to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a 12:30 GMT kick-off. Strain Following Previous Comments Maresca's most recent statement follow in the wake of he described a previous 48-hour period as his "worst" since arriving at Chelsea. Those original remarks had fueled widespread speculation of a possible rift between the coach and the club's ownership hierarchy. When asked if he had discussed matters with the club's sporting directors, Maresca replied, "We are in the same facility, so we talk about different things. But about the post-Everton media session, no." The manager however affirmed he would "absolutely" stay at the club next season and called on supporters to keep backing the team". In brighter news, Maresca indicated that sidelined forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return sooner than expected, potentially available for a match against Aston Villa later this month. Perspective: Unresolved Tension The perceived disconnect between Maresca and the Chelsea board persists as an unhealed issue that continues to create unease. While there has been no further escalation of the matter in the open, there has equally been no apology offered, leaving the disagreement unresolved. The atmosphere during the manager's press conferences has become increasingly strained, raising fears it could undermine what has otherwise been a decent beginning to the season. Chelsea's on-field position is strong: they are fourth in the Premier League, have qualified for the League Cup semi-finals, and can secure a favourable Champions League position with strong performances in their final matches. The lingering question is whether this behind-the-scenes dynamic might eventually disrupt a team that was beginning to look settled.